Greetings, dear readers! I extend my sincerest apologies for my recent absence during the holiday season. Today, I come to you with an account of an unexpected visit to the Kaiser Ontario Emergency Room, a journey that unfolded over a lengthy 9-hour period. Allow me to share the details with you.
The clock started ticking when I checked into Kaiser at 5:30 pm only to find the ER’s waiting lobby brimming with patients. Our initial attempt at urgent care revealed a daunting three-hour wait, leading us to the ER—an option that, in hindsight, proved to be a wise recommendation due to the gravity of my medical issue.
Within a mere 5 minutes of ER check-in, I was ushered into triage, a crucial early assessment conducted by a nurse to gauge the severity of one’s situation. Based on this initial evaluation, patients are then categorized, determining whether immediate attention from a doctor is required or if they must wait until their number is called.
By 6:40 pm, lab work and imaging had been conducted, with the results promptly uploaded to my Kaiser profile. However, the moment of consultation with a doctor didn’t arrive until 10 pm.
Positive Insight: While check-in and triage operated swiftly and efficiently, the challenge lay in the prolonged wait for a doctor. Despite the presence of five triage nurses ready to assist, the bottleneck persisted.
As the clock struck 8 pm, my attention was drawn to an elderly gentleman, battling stage 4 cancer and diabetes, who had been waiting since 2:30 pm. His son, understandably frustrated, lodged a complaint at 10:20 pm and then again to the manager at 10:24 pm. Eight arduous hours later, his wait came to an end.
A nursing supervisor graced the waiting lobby at this point, attempting to alleviate the frustration by engaging with patients and offering words of comfort.
The ER’s doors continued to swing open, revealing families with young children in tow. Most of these children exhibited symptoms of coughing, fever, and breathing difficulties, possibly owing to the prevalent RSV infection. Others suffered from allergic reactions, vomiting, and an inability to keep food down.
A gentleman with a sizable bump on his head arrived around 7 pm, but with the current circumstances, his prospects of being seen didn’t seem promising until 1 am.
An Asian gentleman in considerable pain tried to escape to another hospital, only to be gently persuaded otherwise by the nurse supervisor. After a few hours, he underwent a blood test but not before requesting medication, a plea denied until he saw the doctor.
At 10 pm, a staff reduction occurred, leaving only two physicians and two lab technicians on duty. I happened to catch a glimpse of the schedule inside the visitation room, revealing a bustling environment where everyone worked diligently despite the challenges.
Positive Note: Despite the chaos, the physician and RN who attended to my wife exhibited professionalism and kindness, diligently working to rule out every possible cause.
By 10:15 pm, a gentleman with a broken toe checked in, anticipating another eight hours of wait. At 10:29 pm, a young girl and her family arrived, victims of a car accident in Mt. Baldy. Their decision to forego an ambulance, the airbags deployed, and the ensuing injuries—her head, legs, and arms in pain, his right hand suspected broken—added a new layer of urgency to the ER’s atmosphere.
Before I conclude, a word of advice for those venturing to the ER: arm yourself with snacks, water, and headphones. The cafeteria’s closure is inevitable, and hot foods might become a distant memory.
If you want to read more about what to bring to the ER, please check out my blog: WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO THE ER?
Here are some TIPS if you have to go to the Emergency room
- Try to go early. The wait will be horrendous. After 9 or 10 pm, staffs will be reduced and the wait will be even longer.
- It is not FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis in the ED. It is based on the severity of your condition.
- Check with your insurance first if they cover ED visit. If not, Urgent care might be a cheaper option.
- Most urgent care closes early at 9 am. So if you think your condition is bad, might as well go straight to the ED because the ED has more resources such as labwork, imaging (Ultra sounds, MRI, Xray, …)
- Bring a mask that you like to wear. Hospital mask might not be the most comfortable.
- Ask a family member to come with you. If you are hungry and the cafeteria is closed, they can drive out to get foods and switch place so that you can still eat in the car while your family is there to see if your name gets call. Trust me you don’t want to loose that spot in line.
In reflection, this ER experience brought forth a myriad of challenges and a glimpse into the resilience of both the medical staff and patients alike. Until next time, stay well-prepared and, most importantly, healthy.
