Emergency Care

If you or a family member is experiencing a potential life-threatening emergency, CALL 911. Following the arrival of the paramedics, you may request that they bring you or your family member to one of UCLA's medical centers. However, the paramedics will assess your condition and determine which facility is best for you.

FastER

UCLA Health Emergency Department (ED) offers fast-track service for minor injuries and illnesses. FastER strives to treat patients who meet qualifying criteria within 90 minutes or less. Please note, however, that visits to the Emergency Department generally cost more than those to a doctor's office or an immediate care location.

When calling 911:

1. Give your name, location and phone number.
2. Describe what’s happening.
3. Do not hang up until asked to do so.

Emergency Department Patient Guide

What to expect when you visit UCLA Emergency Department

UCLA Health Emergency Department doctors, nurses and support staff understand that medical emergencies can be stressful and disorienting. We follow rigorous protocols and guidelines to ensure that all patients receive the highest-quality and safest care, as quickly as possible.

We are sharing the steps below to help you understand the ED process and its stages so you can have a more informed and better experience on your next visit.

Stages of Your Visit

Your visit to the ED will include the following stages:

Stage 1: Triage

Documenting your condition and determining your path for care

• A registration clerk checks you in and creates your medical record.
• A triage nurse reviews your symptoms and determines how we should begin your care.
• Your temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure are measured.
• You will be moved to a treatment area based on the severity of your illness, bed availability and your estimated wait time.

Stage 2: Evaluation

Coordinating your care and treatment

• You are welcomed to an ED treatment area.
• A doctor and nurse will be assigned to provide care for you, coordinate efforts across your care team and keep you informed during your visit.
• Your doctor may recommend certain tests to help diagnose your condition.
• Tests may include blood or urine tests, X-rays or an EKG of your heart.
• Additional, specialized tests may include ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.

Stage 3: Registration

Your care and treatment confirmation:

• A registration clerk will visit you in the treatment area to confirm your address, your primary care doctor, your insurance information and your preferred pharmacy.

Stage 4: Treatment

Your care team provides treatment.

Stage 5: Discharge

If your care and treatment is complete:

• When your evaluation is complete, your treatment team will review your test results, diagnosis and any plans for follow-up care with you.
• You will receive a copy of your discharge instructions before you leave.
• If your doctor recommends a prescription medication, it will be sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice.
• You will have the opportunity to ask your nurse or medical provider any questions and address any concerns.

Hospitalization

For those who need to be hospitalized:

• Sometimes, hospital care is required following an ED visit. If you are admitted to the hospital, please let the person know if you need assistance with phone calls to family members to help you to prepare for your stay.
• UCLA Health doctors care for patients at four hospitals. Your care team may discuss options for inpatient care or observation at:
  • Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
  • UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
  • UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital
  • Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA
• Your health plan may request that you be transferred to an outside hospital. Your care team will discuss this with you and keep you informed so you can plan ahead prior to hospital transfer.