COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 visitor guidelines are in place in hospitals.
Visiting the Emergency Department
In life-threatening situations, emergency services are vital. Learn when you should visit the emergency department, and what the process is after you arrive.
When to visit the emergency department
- If you feel your situation requires urgent care or is life threatening, go to your local emergency department. You can also call 9-1-1.
- If you have a health concern that you feel requires same-day care, but do not believe your situation requires urgent care or is life threatening, take the following steps:
- Call your family doctor or nurse practitioner. Same-day appointments may be available.
- If your family doctor or nurse practitioner is not available, visit a local walk-in clinic if available
- If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, can not access a walk-in clinic, or are unable to get an appointment with your regular primary care provider that day, visit an Urgent and Primary Care Centre if one is available in your community
- Curious about other options? View our Use your emergency department wisely poster.
- For trusted health advice, call 8-1-1. Healthlink BC is available 24/7
- If you need an urgent medication refills, contact your pharmacist
- To access help lines, visit the appropriate section on our Contact Information page:
Process after you arrive at the emergency department
No two emergency department visits are the same. We care for the sickest the quickest, so you may wait longer than someone else, and you may have to wait at any point during your visit. Many children and adults may not need a test. Whatever your needs, we’re here to help.
Check out the steps listed below for an idea of what your visit to the emergency department will look like.
Your needs will be assessed by a nurse
A nurse will see you to assess:
- Your needs
- How urgently you need care
You will begin the admitting/registration process
A clerk will start your chart. They will ask for your:
- Personal Health card
- Date of birth, address, phone number, etc.
You will be assessed again
- A nurse or doctor will talk to you about your concern
- You and your care team will make decisions about care together
You will see a doctor
- You may need tests and to begin treatment
- You may be taken to a different area for tests
You will receive treatment
Treatment may include:
- Lab work
- X-rays
- Other tests
You will be reassessed
Your care continues:
- A nurse will continue to monitor you and treat you
- Your doctor will review your test results and begin a treatment plan or order other tests
A decision will be made on the next steps
- We will discuss how to manage your condition including follow up with your family doctor
- You may be admitted to hospital, transferred to another site for treatment or sent home
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