A Real Life Er

Posted by Alice Lane on Dec 26, 2008

Popular television shows and movies make the emergency room look like a dramatic, glamorous or even fun place. In reality, the emergency room is a department in a South Chicago hospital or medical center where patients receive treatment in situations that are often life-threatening. Immediate attention is rendered to all types of patients in an emergency room setting.

Throughout the United States, the abbreviation "ER" is used to refer to the emergency. Internationally, emergency medical settings are typically referred to as the emergency department, or "ED". In all countries, the ER is used to respond to critical illnesses and injuries that require rapid assessment and management.

A patient may get to the ER independently or in an ambulance. When the patient arrives, they undergo a brief triage screening to ascertain the nature and severity of their health problem. Within the shortest possible period of time, the patient will get an initial assessment of their condition and some form of treatment. In some instances the patient is admitted to the hospital for additional treatment or sent to another facility. If patient is stabilized, they are discharged from the ER.

An ER has a full staff to accommodate a variety of patient needs. Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, emergency nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, radiology technicians and support staff work together to treat patients who need urgent care. The staff also takes time to explain the issues to the family and give them support during a health crisis.

When a patient arrives at a South Chicago Illinois hospital, they are assigned a chief complaint as opposed to getting a diagnosis on the spot. The patient's chief complaint is a fact until the attending ER doctor diagnoses the problem. If a patient arrives in an ambulance, the crew will notify the ER of the patient's condition. The ambulance crew starts basic or advanced life support according to state and regional requirements.

For patients in life-or-death situations, the emergency medical technician or paramedic might be directed by the ER doctor to start interventions on the way to the hospital. Upon arrival, the patient will be quickly shuttled to a resuscitation room or other treatment area for timely consultation. An expert team will already be waiting to help the patient including an ER nurse to process arrival.

Patients in the ER are seen in order of medical necessity. If a patient has a less urgent medical problem, they wait in a lobby or waiting area until they are called for treatment. ER staff receives specialized training to seamlessly handle arrival, processing and fast treatment of patients in all situations.

Common reasons people visit the ER at a Southern Chicago hospital include critical conditions such as cardiac arrest, heart attack, asthma, COPD, mental illness and trauma. Because fast, effective treatment is key for survival, an ER has a wide variety of equipment and resources to handle almost any problem right away.



Local Illinois residents have the assurance of knowing Riverside Medical Center is an award-winning South Chicago hospital rendering conscientious care and treatment under all circumstances. Feel reassured your health and life are in good hands at this South Chicago Illinois hospital where leading physicians will attend to your needs. Your family will be relieved knowing their loved one is getting top quality care at Riverside's Southern Chicago hospital.



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