Once you arrive at the EC you, of course, want to be treated right away. That may not happen, not because you shouldn't have gone but because someone else may be in worse medical condition.

Here are the routine steps of a typical visit to the EC:

TRIAGE
Nurses "sort" incoming patients according to how critical they are and in what area of the Emergency Center they will be seen.

REGISTRATION
Patient information is collected for the medical record and a Consent for Treatment form is signed. An ID band will be placed on the patient's arm.

PRE-TREATMENT
We may begin treatment with blood collection and EKGs if they are needed. We suggest patients not eat or drink until they see a medical provider.

EXAM ROOM
When a treatment area becomes available the patient will be called and escorted to a bed. Clothing and valuables can be kept under the bed or the family can hold them. We can also lock them away if needed.

PROVIDER EXAM
The medical provider may be a physician or physician assistant (PA). The provider will be in to see the patient as soon as possible. Treatment will continue after provider evaluation. After the exam/treatment, the patient will be given discharge instructions or, if necessary, admitted to the hospital. The total time you spend in the emergency room will depend on a lot of things. Here are some other reasons you may have to wait according to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP):

• Overcrowding due to epidemics, such as flu season or serious accidents.
• Waiting for tests or x-rays to be performed and then again for the results.
• You may need a specialist who may not be immediately available.
• If you need to be admitted to the hospital there may be a delay if there aren't any beds available.

If you do go to the ER, remember to stay calm. If you have to wait, you may be uncomfortable but there is probably a reason for the delay. The emergency room should not be used as a substitute for routine medical care, but in a true emergency, it can literally be a lifesaver.

We would like to apologize in advance for any delays. We sometimes see up to 250 patients a day and have to hold patients in the EC until their hospital rooms are available.

We receive patients from ambulances, helicopters, University Health System clinics, personal vehicles and transfers from the surrounding area. We are the lead Level I Trauma Center for a 22-county region of South/Central Texas and care for many of the most seriously injured patients from this large area. As you would expect, life-threatening emergencies are unpredictable and must be given priority.

We work hard to serve everyone but must prioritize and use our resources appropriately and effectively. It is not possible to give you an accurate wait time because we treat so many patients in several different treatment areas, and because of the seriousness of their illnesses and injuries.