Lisa: Every hospital has its triage policy, but in general we give first priority to those who are most severely injured. For example, think about a 65-year-old man with severe chest pain and shortness of breath. This patient cannot wait. One minute can make the difference between life and death. So we let these patients go directly into the Emergency Department right away Kell Lisa: You re right. In addition to patients who need immediate treatment, there are patients whose conditions are life-threatening, but can wait for up to 10 to 15 minutes Those patients are given the second priority Kelly Lisa: You know what? The patients who come to the ER are not al ways in need of emergency services. These patients have to yield to others whose conditions are more urgent. We respect every patients feelings about his or her illness, and offer treatment as early as possible if there aren t more urgent cases that need to be seen first Lisa: It's not an easy job. a triage nurse needs training and experience. The hospital will have written policies, procedures, or triage guidelines to helpKelly: Lisa: Every hospital has its triage policy, but in general we give first priority to those who are most severely injured. For example, think about a 65-year-old man with severe chest pain and shortness of breath. This patient cannot wait. One minute can make the difference between life and death. So we let these patients go directly into the Emergency Department right away. Kelly: Lisa: You’re right. In addition to patients who need immediate treatment, there are patients whose conditions are life-threatening, but can wait for up to 10 to 15 minutes. Those patients are given the second priority. Kelly: Lisa: You know what? The patients who come to the ER are not always in need of emergency services. These patients have to yield to others whose conditions are more urgent. We respect every patient’s feelings about his or her illness, and offer treatment as early as possible if there aren’t more urgent cases that need to be seen first. Kelly: Lisa: It’s not an easy job. A triage nurse needs training and experience. The hospital will have written policies, procedures, or triage guidelines to help. Kelly: