UAB Medical West ED
The UAB Medical West Emergency Department is a 17-bed, Level 3 Trauma Center. This department, located on the ground floor of the hospital, is designed to provide care for pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient emergencies. The UAB Medical West ED also operates a four bed overflow unit, which care for our less acute care patients.
The ED Care Team
Our physicians and nurses are specially trained for the Emergency Department environment. There are many other specialists involved in caring for our patients, including pharmacists, lab technicians, patient care technicians, unit clerks, and x-ray technicians. Our nurse to patient ratio is typically 4:1 depending on the area of assignment. We have the ability to provide one on one care when acuity rises. Physicians provide care in the Emergency Department 24 hours a day.
The patient's family members are a vital part of the care team. Their role is to provide emotional support; however, they may also be involved in decision making concerning the patient's treatment or in some cases, they may be asked to act as a spokesperson on behalf of the patient.
Parking
We offer free parking immediately in front of the Emergency Department; however, parking is limited and we ask that if you have multiple family members present that they use the parking deck immediately behind the Emergency Department.
Visiting Information
The Emergency Department is a very busy and hectic environment at times. It is in the best interest of our patients' care to limit visitors to one or two at a time. Please check with the security guard at the desk for a visitor's pass. The staff will try to accommodate each patient's family needs; however, please keep in mind that the patient's care comes first and we need your assistance in helping ensure that your family member receives the best, uninterrupted care we can provide.
Cell Phone Use
We ask that you refrain from using your cell phones in patient care areas as a courtesy to all patients receiving treatment in the Emergency Department. Please place them on vibrate mode or silent mode. We will gladly assist you with the use of one of the Emergency Department phones.
Triage System
Triage is the process we use to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition. Upon arrival in the Emergency Department through our main entrance you will be greeted by a staff member and assessed by a Registered Nurse. You will be assigned an acuity level and seen based on your chief complaint and the assessment of the nurse. At UAB Medical West, we utilize the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), which is recommended by the Emergency Nurse's Association (ENA). ESI is a five tier triage system that allows for more detailed assessment of each patient's chief complaint and resource needs.The ESI system helps emergency department staff rapidly identify patients in need of immediate attention and better identify patients who could safely and more efficiently be seen in the overflow unit rather than the main ED.
Acuity Levels:
LEVEL 1: Emergent (Life and limb threatening - Requires immediate care).
LEVEL 2: Emergent (Unstable, but not life or limb threatening).
LEVEL 3: Urgent (Potentially unstable - requires two or more resources*).
LEVEL 4: Less Urgent (Minor illness or injury - requires one resource*).
LEVEL 5: Non-Urgent (Minor illness or injury - requiruing no resources*).
* resources indicates any test, treatment or procedure that may need to be administered (ie, lab tests, xray, exams, etc)
All of our patients are important to us and depending on the time of day and the overall acuity level of the Emergency Department, there may be delays.
Food/ Drinks
Due to possible tests, procedures and infection control, we do not allow food or drinks in the patient care areas. We will gladly provide the necessary diet a patient may require during their stay in the Emergency Department.
Checking on a Patient by Phone
Due to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Privacy Laws, the hospital may not release patient information to the public. However, your Emergency Department nurse will provide a special code word for one family member to use in order to gain information regarding your loved one's status.
