Emergency departments
Emergency departments
Emergency departments (pronounced: /ɪˈmɜːdʒənsi dɪˈpɑːrtmənts/), also known as emergency rooms or ERs, are specialized facilities within hospitals or other medical centers that provide immediate care to patients with urgent health conditions.
Etymology
The term "emergency department" originates from the Latin word "emergere", which means "to bring to light", and the Old French word "departement", meaning "division or portion of a whole". The term reflects the department's role in a hospital to address sudden and unexpected health issues.
Function
Emergency departments are designed to provide rapid and immediate care to patients with acute illnesses or injuries, which require immediate medical attention. These can range from minor conditions such as sprains and fevers, to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
Staff
The staff in an emergency department typically includes emergency medicine physicians, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals. They work together to provide immediate diagnosis and treatment to patients.
Related Terms
- Triage: The process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition.
- Trauma center: A specialized type of emergency department that provides comprehensive care for patients with severe injuries.
- Intensive care unit (ICU): A department in a hospital where critically ill patients are cared for by specialized staff.
See Also
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