We went into the emergency room again this past Thursday because my mother felt pain in her abdomen that wouldn't go away. In these instances I sometimes hear the persistent clacking of scissors, as Saramagao somehow puts it. He means death, but I first thought he meant murderous tailors. Anyway...
The funny (and I mean funny uh-oh) thing about the ER is that given the tremendous strain of limited resources faced by the county, the place is ill-equipped to handle the flood of people who come to use the service. Among the dozens there are some legitimate cases who need immediate assistance, but triage relies on the accurate relay of information from the incoming patient. In most cases, there are those who know that he or she won't receive immediate treatment without some indication that he or she is in some world of hurt. If one's symptoms warrant further review, one is ushered into another room where one waits until a bed becomes available, whereupon one waits to see the doctor. At every stage, one requires patience.
During our first visit to the ER in 2008, we waited over 24 hours. On subsequent visits, our wait has been reduced due to her condition and her apparent pain. The funny (this time ha-ha) thing with the ER waiting room is that there those who have become well-versed in what one needs to do before entering the inner sanctum. Once having gained entry into the waiting room, one knows that it may be hours before a bed is available to take one in. Even if one is placed in the STAT category, one may well expect to wait 16 hours as one poor woman had to endure. Though others simply take in a movie and dinner before arriving some hours later because they know that there is nothing but time to kill. Like anywhere else, there are regulars.
So, if you ever have to go to the emergency room with someone bring coins for phone calls if your mobile phone doesn't work, bring your mobile phone charger should your phone work, bring a newspaper and/or magazine, a sweater, some snacks, bottled water, and any other distraction. Even if you have a severed finger, it may take an hour or so.
