Manchester Triage 

We have all been there, sitting in the waiting room of an ER, feeling vulnerable, and sore, just wanting to see a doctor and get help. And then that: Someone comes in and gets directed into a room directly, he doesn't even bleed or scream in pain!!! That cant be right, they must have forgotten that we were there, waiting. And after all, it won't take long. I "just" need a dressing, "just" need a quick X-ray to make sure nothing is broken, ... Let me tell you: there is no "just" in an ER!  

Working in an Emergency Room (ER) feels like a calling for me. Every shift brings new opportunities to care for people in vulnerable moments, and I’ve always felt drawn to the fast-paced environment of emergency care. Early on, I knew I wanted to specialize in this field, and later, I trained as a paramedic to broaden my understanding of emergency care from both sides: as a paramedic in the field and as an ER staff member receiving patients. This dual perspective has shown me the critical teamwork and quick thinking required in both settings to provide urgent, often life-saving care.

The work in the ER isn’t solely about dramatic, life-threatening cases. While we frequently treat heart attacks, strokes, and trauma, we also help patients with non-critical but significant health concerns. The ER is often a place where those lacking access to regular healthcare come when they’re in pain or uncertain about a medical issue. Although some cases might seem minor, each patient deserves our full attention and respect. The ER serves as a crucial access point for diverse needs, providing essential care to all who walk through our doors.

Empathy is central to our work, despite the challenges and high-pressure environment. Each patient is more than a medical case; they’re someone’s family or friend, bringing with them unique fears and needs. In the busiest moments, this human connection keeps us motivated. It’s often this compassion that patients and their families remember, and it’s what fuels us to provide the best care possible, even on the hardest days.

The ER operates under a triage system to prioritize care based on urgency, which sometimes raises questions about why certain patients seem to be “skipping the line.” Triage isn’t about valuing one person over another; it’s about assessing medical urgency. A patient showing heart attack symptoms will be seen immediately, while someone with a non-life-threatening issue, like a minor injury, may wait longer. This approach helps us manage resources effectively and ensures that critical cases are treated swiftly.

Through this blog, I hope to offer a glimpse into ER life, sharing stories and explaining how decisions are made. My goal is to help readers better understand the complexities of emergency care, so if they ever need it, they’ll feel more prepared and reassured, knowing that behind every action lies a deep commitment to help.

Read more about the Triage System here.