By Ambulance
If you arrive by ambulance:
the ambulance officers will bring you into the Emergency Department usually on an ambulance trolley
You will be seen by a doctor or a triage nurse
The Clerical staff will ask for your name, date of birth, address and other details to update your information
The doctor or nurse will assess your medical condition. If you have severe injuries or illness you will be immediately taken to a treatment room for diagnosis and care.
If you have less urgent medical needs you will either be made comfortable in a treatment area or asked to go to the waiting area. You will be then be seen according to your medical need.
By yourself, family or friends
If you take yourself to an Emergency Department or are bought in by family or friends:
Go to the Triage nurse first in the Emergency Department
A triage nurse will ask for your name and date of birth
A nurse will assess your medical condition.
The nurse may take some tests such as your blood pressure, temperature or ask you to provide a urine or blood sample. The nurse uses this information to determine your medical condition and how quickly you need to see a doctor
The nurse will ask you to go to the clerical staff to update your personal details including Medicare
The nurse may ask you to go to the waiting area
You will be seen by a doctor as soon as possible
People with urgent medical needs are seen before people with less urgent needs.
Tell a nurse if you feel worse or need to leave the Emergency Department.
