The emergency room, or ER, is a hospital service where people can seek immediate help for serious injuries or illnesses that can’t be managed or treated at home, in a doctor’s office, or at an urgent care facility. 

Head to an emergency room if you feel that you require immediate medical attention, including symptoms such as:

• Change in mental status, such as unusual behavior, confusion or difficulty walking or talking
• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Fainting
• Coughing or vomiting blood

Click on the link below to find some helpful information on when you should go to the ER.

The best way to deal with the ER is to simply know what to expect. Here's what you can expect from a typical emergency room visit:

• Wait Times: Cases are given priority based on the severity, so if you have a less urgent condition, you will probably need to wait longer. While you wait, you'll be asked to complete health care documents and forms.  
  
  
• Treatment and Testing: When it's your turn to be seen, a triage nurse will review your medical history and ask for information about your allergies, medications you're taking, past surgeries, or medical conditions. Your vital signs and a brief rundown of your symptoms will also be obtained. Depending on your severity, you may be asked to return to the waiting area or be placed in the triage area or exam room. As part of the exam, you may need blood tests or imaging tests to check for certain diseases or conditions. It can take an hour or more to get your results, depending on the number of tests and the number of patients ahead of you.
  
  
• Ongoing Care: The average wait time to see a physician varies on time of day,  and other factors. Depending on your circumstance, you may be admitted for immediate care, observation, or be discharge. 
  
  
• Discharge: Before you're discharged from the emergency room, you and your physician will discuss test results, a treatment plan, follow-up instructions with your primary physician, and, if needed, a referral to a specialist. You will also receive paperwork and any necessary drug prescriptions.

With two hospitals located in the Ventura County area, you’re never far from emergency expertise. If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of a heart attack or stroke call 9-1-1 immediately.