What to Expect in the Emergency Department

If you’ve never been to the emergency department (ED) before, it can feel stressful or overwhelming. Bright lights, busy hallways, and lots of questions can make anyone uneasy. You’re not alone – many people feel this way.

Jennifer Gietzen, Director of the Emergency Department at Perham Health, helps explain what usually happens during an ED visit, why some steps take time, and how you can feel more prepared if you ever need emergency care.

From the Moment You Arrive at the Emergency Department

When you walk into the emergency department, the first people you’ll meet are the registration staff. They help check you in by confirming your name, ID, insurance, medications, and emergency contact information. This step also places you on the ED’s tracking system so the care team knows you are there.

Within a few minutes – often around five – a nurse will come out to see you. This is called triage.

What Is Triage?

Triage helps the care team decide how urgently you need to be seen. The nurse will ask a few quick questions and may check your vital signs.

• Some patients are taken back right away.
• Others may be asked to wait for a short time.

If you’re asked to wait, it does not mean you’re being ignored. It means your symptoms appear stable and it is safe for you to wait while patients with more serious needs are treated first.

As Gietzen explains, “The goal of triage is to keep anyone from getting worse while they wait.” This is why someone who arrives later might be called back sooner.

Why You May Be Asked the Same Questions More Than Once

Once you are in a room, you may meet several members of the care team. This often includes a technician, a nurse, and a provider. Each of them may ask you similar questions about why you came in and how you’re feeling.

Repeating yourself can be frustrating, but it serves an important purpose. Each team member listens for different details, and asking questions in different ways can uncover important information.

“It doesn’t mean we’re not listening,” Gietzen says. “It helps us fully understand what’s going on and make sure nothing is missed.”

Tests, Treatments, and Waiting

Many emergency visits involve testing – even more than you might expect. For example, if you come in with chest pain, the care team will usually order tests right away, such as:

• An EKG (heart test)
• Blood work
• A chest X-ray

Some tests take time to result, and others may need to be repeated hours later. This is why a visit that seems simple can last longer than expected.

During this time, nurses will check in with you, explain what is happening, and let you know what you’re waiting for. You may even see test results appear in the MyChart app before your provider talks with you. This can feel confusing, but your care team will help explain what the results mean.

Going Home, Staying, or Transferring

Before you leave the emergency department, one of three things will usually happen.

If You Go Home

You’ll receive an after-visit summary. This includes:

• What was done during your visit
• Your diagnosis
• Any medication changes
• Follow-up instructions

This summary is helpful to review later, especially once the stress of the visit has passed.

If You Need to Stay in the Hospital

Your provider will work with hospital staff to arrange a room. This includes checking bed availability and sometimes ordering more tests to make sure you can be safely cared for.

If You Need Specialized Care Elsewhere

If a service isn’t available locally, your provider will arrange a transfer to another facility. These transfers are carefully coordinated between providers to make sure you receive the care you need.

A Team That Cares, Even Under Pressure

Emergency departments rely on teamwork. CNAs, nurses, providers, lab staff, and radiology all work closely together, especially during high‑pressure situations.

The team may be caring for many patients at once, including those with very serious conditions. Even so, their goal is always the same: clear communication, safety, and compassion.

“There’s a lot happening in the emergency department,” Gietzen shares, “but we always want patients to feel like they are the only one there in that moment.”

Knowing When to Go to The ED

Many people wonder whether they should go to the emergency department or a clinic. The answer isn’t always clear – and that’s okay.

The emergency department is always open and will see anyone who comes in. Conditions that should be seen in the ED include:

• Chest pain
• Stroke-like symptoms
• Severe injuries
• Sudden changes in speech, vision, or movement

Concerns like sore throats, medication questions, or symptoms that develop slowly are often better handled in a clinic.

Choosing the right place helps patients get care from providers who treat those problems every day. It also often means shorter waits and smoother visits.

If you’re unsure, calling an Ask‑A‑Nurse line can help. These nurses are trained to guide you to the right level of care.

A Final Thought

The emergency department is here so our community always has a place to turn – day or night. You can help your care team by knowing your medications, keeping up with primary care visits, and asking questions when you have them.

Emergencies are never planned. But understanding what to expect can make the experience feel less scary and remind you that a full team is there to support and care for you when it matters most.

No matter when you walk through those doors, you are not alone.