Quote:
Originally posted by asphaltgambler
I didn't create / manage / staff / the system. It is what it is regardless of my intent or personal feelings. When I am in serious pain or hurt (which I have been) I'm not waiting 3-5 hours just because the hospital elects to (as most do) understaff the ER.
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The fact that your SCHEME works, actually shows that the system is not completley broken. Critically ill patients can and do get in quickly. The guy that came in behind you with a massive MI didn't staff the system either, but the hell with him, right? Me first. I'll lie and get in quickly. You certainly deserve to be evaluated or triaged quickly- that is the job of the nurse at checkin. Patients are ranked in order of the severity of symptoms.
Patients that complain about long waits are almost universally not critically ill. I am not saying they are not sick, and I am not saying that long waits are ok. ER's are now used as walkin clinics, for every little ache and pain. Throw in a couple of car accidents, an MI, and an 80yr old that is actively seizing- and a patient that has had diarrehea for 3 weeks is going to take a back seat.
This system does rely on the integrity of patients. Thank goodness most people have more integrity than I see here.
Gary