Emergency Services

Emergency Services

When you visit the Emergency Department at Harrison Memorial Hospital, we understand it can be overwhelming. We are here to provide timely, high-quality care and to help you understand what to expect during your visit.

Triage

Upon arrival—whether you come on your own, with a family member, or by ambulance—you will first be seen by a triage nurse. This nurse will:

• Record your reason for visiting
• Review your medications and medical history
• Take your temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Possibly order initial tests, such as an EKG or x-ray

This information is quickly shared with the Emergency Department physician. Most patients are seen by a provider within 30 minutes of triage.

Registration

Once your condition is determined to be stable, you will meet with a registration clerk to:

• Provide basic personal and contact information
• Confirm your insurance coverage
• Sign a consent form for treatment and billing

What to Expect in the Emergency Department

Our Emergency Department has 11 patient care areas and is located just off the main registration and waiting areas. During your visit, you may experience:

• Care from an assigned nurse throughout your visit
• Blood draws for lab testing (results may take an hour or more)
• X-rays, reviewed by the physician before results are shared
• CT scans (often require a 2-hour wait after contrast intake)
• EKG (electrocardiogram) testing

Depending on your condition, additional care may include:

• Medications or IV fluids
• Bandages, stitches, splints, or casts
• Consultations with specialists
• Surgical intervention
• Admission to the hospital
• Transfer to another hospital if necessary

Your nurse can provide estimated wait times and explain each step of your care. Please ask questions—we’re here to help.