Back قسم الطوارئ Arabic Skadestue Danish Notaufnahme German Τμήμα Επειγόντων Περιστατικών Greek Departamento de Emergencias Spanish بخش اورژانس Persian Päivystyspoliklinikka Finnish Accueil et traitement des urgences French Rannóg éigeandála Irish חדר מיון HE
An emergency department (ED), also known as an accident and emergency department (A&E), emergency room (ER), emergency ward (EW) or casualty department, is a medical treatment facility specializing in emergency medicine, the acute care of patients who present without prior appointment; either by their own means or by that of an ambulance. The emergency department is usually found in a hospital or other primary care center.
Due to the unplanned nature of patient attendance, the department must provide initial treatment for a broad spectrum of illnesses and injuries, some of which may be life-threatening and require immediate attention. In some countries, emergency departments have become important entry points for those without other means of access to medical care.
The emergency departments of most hospitals operate 24 hours a day, although staffing levels may be varied in an attempt to reflect patient volume.