Care in the Emergency Department
Emergency Departments are the funnel for admissions to all areas of the healthcare system. There is no other area that is feeling the massive stress and overwork of our healthcare crisis.
If you must go the ED, pack your patience, a go-bag, and wherever possible a second set of eyes and ears and your best communication skills.
Everywhere you go, pack your Communication Skills
Bring an understanding attitude! Honey ALWAYS works better than vinegar. You might be refused care if you are aggressive or overly angry.
Be assertive – not passive and not aggressive.
Your patience… Fully expect to be in an ED for many hours… and sometimes, days.
Take a notebook and take notes (who saw you and what they said).
Make notes about recommended changes in care, medications, treatments, and surgeries.
Ask about “Risk versus Benefit” for all treatments and surgeries.
Be as clear and concise as possible about your symptoms and concerns (tell the truth and don't leave anything out - even if it's embarrassing.)
Be assertive about letting your health team know about any Advance Care Planning wishes and documents. Give your nurse a copy of your Representation Agreement and ask that it be put at the front of your chart. You will likely have to remind them it’s there and what it’s for.
Wherever possible, have someone with you.
If your condition worsens while waiting for care – or while in care – tell a nurse… any nurse!
Is the Emergency Department the best place to go?
Be responsible! Avoid going to the ED unless it’s an emergency. But, do go when you are concerned (always go for chest discomfort, significant cuts, bleeding that won't stop. and neurological changes, such as severe headache, disorientation, fainting.)
Check for wait times for the Vancouver Coastal Health ED and BC Women’s Hospital (Vancouver, Richmond and North Shore). Understand that wait times can change at any moment as ambulances roll in. At this time, this service is not available in other health authorities.
Alternate Options
Call HealthLink BC at 811. Look up common questions and BC-specific resources at HealthLink BC
Local Walk-in and Urgent Care Clinics. Check for hours and waitlists at MediMap.
If you have time, here a few things to pack:
Your ICE documents (medical history, current medications, Representation Agreement, Advance Directive)
Comfortable clothes and a warm sweater and/or light blanket and, if you have it, a neck pillow
Bottle of water (but, before drinking anything, always check with the triage nurse or your ED nurse)
A light snack (before eating anything, always check to see if you can drink it with the triage nurse or your ED nurse)
Cell phone and charger
A small amount of money for coffee-shop snacks and travel home
Toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb or brush
Ear plugs!
Reading material (avoid taking an expensive Tablet.)
Avoid taking:
● Anything you would be upset to lose or have stolen
● Anything of value: jewelry, credit cards, tablets or laptops, large amounts of cash.
When you’re Discharged
Be assertive if you are being sent home and ask for clear answers to your concerns:
Before you leave, confirm the ED report be sent to your Family Practitioner so you can follow-up.
Then follow-up with your Family Practitioner as soon as possible.
If your symptoms do not improve, or return, go back to the ED!
Never, ever feel like you are being a bother and don't dismiss your own concerns.
