Trying to put things in perspective, I have observed that (1) the accepted term now is Emergency Department, not emergency room., and (2) the process is more "concentrated" than previously.
Example #1, the person seeking help walks in through the door marked Emergency, checks in at the desk along the entry wall, and then sits there in the emergency waiting room until called into the adjoining triage area, where interview and assessment are conducted. Person may then be assigned to one of the 6 or 8 rooms to await further assessment by a medical professional who determines their fate. And the wait in that cubicle can be lengthy, determinated by availability of staff and the attention of others who may be in greater need.
Example #2, the person arrives by ambulance, result of call to 911. Sometimes the call is evidently more routine. I'm not aware of the entry process but do know the person is often discharged with minimal medical intervention. However, if the information about patient condition relayed to the hospital from the responding vehicle is a significant health threat, the patient is "admitted to the floor," which I assume is the essential part of the Emergency Department. Doctors and staff in attendance there evaluate the patient and treatment begins, surgery, infusions, whatever is required.
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