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What to Expect When You Arrive
At Barstow Community Hospital, our goal is for each patient to receive the appropriate care needed in the shortest amount of time possible.
Confidentiality – All of the information you provide remains confidential.
Triage – A member of the ED staff will perform a medical screening exam, which will include blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Triage helps the staff determine the urgency of your condition. A triage nurse sees all ED patients, even those who arrive by ambulance. It is important to remember that patients with the most serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries will be seen first. Please bring a list of your medications when you visit triage.
Valuables – Your belongings are your responsibility. Please leave anything you don’t need with your family or friends. These items may include a purse, wallet, jewelry, clothing, glasses, dentures and medications.
Registration – Vital information must be gathered and treatment consent forms must be signed. Only after you have been assessed will you be asked for financial and insurance information. Registration can be done at the bedside, if necessary.
Emergency Department – If your condition requires emergent care, you will be treated in the Emergency Department. While in a room, you will be seen by a nurse who will ask you additional medical questions. At this time, we will begin the appropriate tests, procedures and treatment. Your wait time will vary depending on the complexity of your tests. The team may need results before continuing your treatment. While you are in the room, you will frequently be updated on the progress of your care. If you need help at any time, please do not hesitate to ask. Your call button is also available to alert your nurse.
Discharge – If hospital care is recommended, you will be admitted. If appropriate treatment services are not available at our hospital, we will help make arrangements for transfer to an appropriate facility. If you are well enough to return home, after-care instructions will be given. Please review your instructions carefully and feel free to ask questions.
Who is Caring for Me?
Physicians – ED physicians are specially trained to treat patients who are acutely ill.
Physician Assistants – Physician assistants work under the supervision of ED physicians.
Nurse Practitioners – Nurse practitioners have advanced degrees and are licensed to practice medicine in collaboration with physicians. They can prescribe medication and care for the needs of ED patients.
Registered Nurses – Our registered nurses undergo special training to care for patients in our ED. They will monitor your condition, help you with medication and give you instructions for care after you are discharged from the ED. They will also communicate with your family and loved ones to keep them informed of your condition, if you so desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will I Have to Wait?
Our ED staff works hard to provide prompt care. Your wait time can vary:
- If your condition is not life threatening, you may have to wait, depending on the condition of the other patients in the Emergency Department.
- If there is an influx of patients, your wait time may be extended.
Can I Have Visitors?
Visitors are welcome, but the ED is a busy place and the number of visitors may be limited. At times, visitors are not permitted. The staff will keep you informed in these situations. Visitors are asked to stay clear of hallways and doorways. During flu and RSV season, visitors less than 12 years of age will not be allowed for their own protection.
May I Have Medication for Pain?
Often pain medication can hide symptoms, so medication is only given after you have seen the physician. Let the staff know if you are in pain and other accommodations may be provided.
May I Eat or Drink?
Some tests require an empty stomach. Therefore, it is not recommended that you eat or drink unless you have a medical condition that requires food or drink.
You are Important
We encourage you to share your experience with any member of the staff. If, for some reason, we did not meet your expectations, please let us know before you leave. You may also call the Director of the Emergency Department at 760-957-3275.
Call us if you need more information about caring for your injury or illness after leaving the ED. Also, you may receive a patient satisfaction survey call after you leave the ED because we want to know how we can better meet patient needs, resolve issues and recognize exceptional care provided by the staff.
Barstow Community Hospital's Emergency Department is an approved "Safe Surrender Site"
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