A trip to the Emergency Department (ED) is rarely planned—and it can often feel stressful or uncertain. Understanding what happens during a visit can help you feel more at ease and prepared every step of the way.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you come to the ED.

Arrival & Triage
When you arrive, one of the first people you’ll meet is a triage nurse. Their role is to quickly assess your condition and determine how urgently you need care.

Patients are seen based on the severity of their illness or injury—not the order of arrival. This means someone who arrives after you may be treated first if their condition is more serious. While that can be frustrating, it ensures that those who need immediate care get it right away.

Getting Started with Your Care
We know waiting isn’t easy, especially when you’re not feeling well. That’s why we often begin diagnostic testing as early as possible—even before you see a provider.

This may include lab work or an EKG, depending on your symptoms. Starting early helps your care team make quicker decisions once all results are available. Lab results can take up to 90 minutes, but this step helps move your care forward more efficiently.

Where You’ll Wait and Receive Care
Depending on your condition, you may be taken to a private room, asked to remain in the waiting area, or brought to our Results Lounge.

The Results Lounge is a comfortable, monitored space where patients can safely wait while tests are being completed. It allows us to continue caring for you while making the best use of available treatment rooms. A nurse or technician is always nearby if you need assistance.

Diagnostic Imaging
In some cases, your provider may order imaging tests to better understand what’s going on. This could include X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs.

If imaging is needed, you’ll be escorted to the appropriate area, and your care team will keep things moving as efficiently as possible. Results typically take between 60 and 120 minutes.

Reviewing Results and Next Steps
Once your results are ready, your provider will sit down with you to go over everything in a private setting. They’ll explain your diagnosis, answer your questions and talk through what comes next.

For some patients, this may mean being admitted to the hospital. If that’s the case, we’ll work to move you to an inpatient bed as quickly as possible. If the hospital is at capacity, you may remain in the ED until a bed becomes available—but rest assured, you’ll continue receiving care during that time from our team.

If you’re able to go home, you’ll leave with a detailed summary of your visit. This includes the care you received, any medications given and clear instructions for what to do next. Follow-up care is an important part of your recovery, so we encourage you to schedule any recommended appointments as soon as possible.

You can also access your visit summary at any time through the myIslandHealth Patient Portal, making it easy to stay informed and organized after your visit.

Support Beyond Your Visit
If you don’t currently have a primary care provider, we’re here to help. Our team can connect you with a provider who fits your needs—simply call 360.293.3101 to get started.

For specialty care, you can contact the appropriate clinic directly to schedule an appointment.

Compassionate Care When You Need It Most
Every step of your Emergency Department visit is designed with your safety, comfort and well-being in mind. While wait times can vary, our team is always working to provide timely, thoughtful and high-quality care.

When you come to the ED, you’re not alone—we’re here for you every step of the way. For more information, visit our website at islandhealth.org/emergency-department.