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Wait times at KCH Emergency Department better than national average.
Mount Vernon, OH - Emergency departments are crucial to all communities – they provide lifesaving care every minute of every day. Each year, emergency departments in the United States receive more than 100 million visits (National Center for Health Statistics), and over 26,000 occur right here at Knox Community Hospital.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control found that the average emergency room visit took three hours and 12 minutes in 2005. A year later, another study said the average time patients spent in emergency rooms increased to three hours and 42 minutes. The average visit in an Ohio emergency room is nearly four hours (Press Ganey). At Knox Community Hospital, an emergency department visit averaged just two hours and 3 minutes over the seven month period January-July 2007. The wait for the Fast Track option is even less at Knox Community Hospital – over the seven month period averaging one hour and 27 minutes.
An emergency department runs on an unpredictable schedule, and patients with the most severe symptoms are seen first. The initial minutes after an injury or medical crisis are often the most critical. Trust your instincts when deciding if you or a loved one needs immediate medical attention. Symptoms that generally indicate an emergency include:
 • Uncontrollable bleeding
• Head injury or broken bones
• Poisoning or suspected overdose
• Inability to breath or shortness of breath
• Seizure or loss of consciousness
• Persistent chest or abdominal pain or pressure
• Numbness or paralysis of an arm or leg
• Slurred speech, visual changes or weakness
• Major burns
• Intense pain
• Severe reaction to an insect bite, medication or food
If you have a situation that requires prompt medical attention but is not life-threatening, you may receive faster care if you visit our Fast Track. Fast Track diagnoses may include ear infections, fevers and sprains. The Fast Track at Knox Community Hospital is open from 11am to 11pm. Should symptoms be determined to be more serious, care will be provided in the Emergency department.
“It is often stated that the emergency room is the front door of the hospital for many patients. This is where they will form their first opinions,” said Bruce White, Chief Executive Officer at Knox Community Hospital. “We know how frustrating it can be to wait in the emergency department with a sick child or loved one. We are committed to helping that experience be as positive as possible for the patient given the circumstances. We are working to provide efficient service while continually ensuring that each patient receives the quality care they deserve.” added White.
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