Emergency Department
Related topics: Accessing health care in the region
Call 9-1-1 or go immediately to your nearest hospital Emergency Department if you or someone you know requires immediate medical help for an illness, injury, or overdose.
If you have an emergency call 9-1-1
Or go to your nearest Emergency Department if you have been in a major accident or for potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Emergency departments:
- take care of people that are very sick or injured on a priority basis. This means the sickest people are seen first. If you go to an emergency department for care that isn't urgent, you will not likely be seen right away.
- provide medical care, which includes assessment and treatment
- stabilize people and get them ready to transport to a higher level of care facility (if needed)
- provide follow-up care including referrals to a family doctor or specialist (if needed)
Other care options
Know your options so you can get the care you need when you need it.
Frequently asked questions
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What should I bring to the Emergency Department?
If possible, bring photo ID, your BC Services Card or CareCard and a list of any medications you are taking. If available, please also bring any Medical Orders of Scope of Treatment (MOST) forms or have a loved one bring them in.
We also suggest you minimize bringing personal belongings or valuables to the Emergency Department.
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What happens when I arrive at the Emergency Department?
- A Triage Nurse will assess your symptoms and vital signs upon arrival. Please have your photo ID, BC Services Card or CareCard, and a list of current medications ready.
- Patients are seen in the Emergency Department based on how ill or injured they are. Those with the most critical conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
- Please be aware that your medical records from your family doctor are not accessible at the Emergency Department. Emergency doctors only have information about your medical history from previous visits to that hospital.
- VCH Emergency Department staff are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of health care. During your visit to the ED, we appreciate your patience as we wait for test results, interpretations, consultations, and other information necessary for your diagnosis and treatment.
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What happens when I'm ready to go home from the Emergency Department?
- Your health care team will work with you to help plan when you will go home.
- Your doctor may write you a prescription for medication and a nurse will give you instructions on how to take the medication.
- Try to arrange a family member or friend to drive or accompany you home.
- Your health care team will work with you to coordinate any additional care that is required, such as home & community care services, care at another hospital or rehabilitation services.
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Where should I take my child in case of an emergency?
If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, such as trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, or a mental health crisis, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
BC Children's Hospital Emergency Department in Vancouver is open 24 hours a day and provides emergency care to children and youth up to the age of 16.
Resources
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Emergency discharge instructions
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Toxic drug poisoning (“overdose”) response, Naloxone and training
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Mental health and substance use services
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Find this service near you
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Emergency Department at Bella Coola General Hospital
1025 Elcho Street Bella Coola -
Emergency Department at Lions Gate Hospital
231 East 15th Street North Vancouver -
Emergency Department at qathet General Hospital
5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River -
Emergency Department at Richmond Hospital
7000 Westminster Highway Richmond -
Emergency Department at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital
5544 Sunshine Coast Highway Sechelt -
Emergency Department at Squamish General Hospital
38140 Behrner Drive Squamish -
Emergency Department at UBC Hospital
2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver -
Emergency Department at Vancouver General Hospital
920 W 10th Ave Vancouver -
Emergency Department at ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital
88 Waglisla Street Bella Bella