Emergency Department

Mission

To provide the highest quality emergent medical care, in a compassionate and honorable manner, to our service members, veterans and beneficiaries.

Vision

Quality, Personalized and Accessible Healthcare.

Directions

The Emergency Room is located on the Mountain side of Tripler Army Medical Center, 3H. Look for the red emergency signs directing traffic toward the emergency room entrance. 

Clinic Information

The Tripler Emergency Department is the emergency referral center for the entire Pacific Regional Medical Command. In addition to taking care of our active duty, retirees, family members and veterans here in Hawai'i, we receive patients from all over the Pacific to include the Trust Territories of the South Pacific.  

Tripler Emergency Department is a Level II Trauma Center, capable of administering care for major and minor medical emergencies and are equipped with our own ambulance service and helipad for medical evacuations.

Pertinent information for patients 

 To help you through your visit to the ER, here is an example of a typical visit:

• Check in with the Quick Look Nurse

  • The quick look nurse is the first health professional you will see.

  • He or she will ask you what the visit is for and will obtain vital signs (blood pressure, temperature etc.).

• Check in at the ER Registration Desk.

  • The Medical Support Assistant (MSA) will register you and create a chart to document your visit.

  • You will be asked your current address, phone and insurance information (including other insurance if applicable).

• Visit the Triage Nurse:

  • The triage nurse is the 2nd health professional you will see.  He or she will need descriptions of your illness, medications and allergies.

  • Patients waiting for treatment will be prioritized by need, severity of symptoms and condition on presentation.

  • The triage nurse can provide first aid supplies, such as Tylenol, Motrin, bandages, splints or ice packs if needed.

  • You may be asked to provide a urine sample, visit radiology for x-ray imaging, or have a blood sample drawn during this phase of your visit.

  • Following this initial evaluation of your injury or illness, you will be directed to the appropriate waiting area.

  • Your vitals might be taken again during this time.

• Waiting to be treated:

  • We try to minimize the time spent in the waiting area.  Your comfort, while waiting, is important to us.  We ask that you refrain from eating or drinking while awaiting treatment, as this may affect treatment length.

  • Those accompanying you are welcome to use the hospital’s snack area, located on the first floor, Oceanside.

  • If you wish to leave prior to being seen by a provider, please ensure that you talk to the charge nurse first before leaving.

• Treatment:

  • As soon as possible, you will be called and taken to a room in the Emergency Department or Fast Track for an appropriate evaluation and treatment of your problem.

• Physical Examination:

  • A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination.  If injury or illness requires a specialist, one will be consulted to aid in your evaluation.

  • The Emergency Department at times can be very busy and overcrowded.  We ask that only one support person accompany patients to help protect privacy. (Visitor policies vary within the hospital and are supplement to change).

• Discharge and Follow-Up Care:

  • If your problem does not require hospital admission, you will be discharged from the Emergency Department.

  • Written instructions detailing home care procedures will be explained by a health care professional and given to you.

  • Please do not hesitate to ask questions regarding your concerns.

  • You may receive a follow-up referral or prescription for medication.  Appropriate actions to facilitate either will be explained by a health care professional.  The Tripler Army Medical Center pharmacy is located on the fourth floor, mountainside.

• At home:

  • Should you have questions or experience additional problems after returning home, please contact your primary care clinic or manager. 

FAQ's:

Q: What do I need to bring to be seen in the ER?
A: Please bring your Military ID, Dependent ID, or Veterans ID. For Minor children under 10 years old, bring the sponsor’s ID or any dependent’s ID associated with the child’s sponsor.

Q: How long is the typical wait in the ER?
A: Wait times may vary with the number of patients and the severity of the illnesses that are currently being treated. Patients with less serious conditions may have a much longer waiting times, particularly during busy hours.

Q: Does the ER treat patients on a first come, first-serve basis?
A:  We prioritize patients so that the critical and life threatening illnesses are treated first. This means that less serious illnesses may not be seen in the order that they come in to the ER.

Q: Where do I park?
A: You can park on the mountain side parking lot and the parking lot across from the Emergency Department. Valet parking is also available weekdays from 0730-1500, located on the mountainside entrance (Valet parking availability subject to change).

Q: How do I leave a comment about care given? 
A: You may follow the link below to leave concerns, compliments or complaints about the care given during your stay in the ER.  
 

We accept customer satisfaction feedback through our FOCUS "For Our Customer's Ultimate Satisfaction" Cards (located throughout the hospital) and through our Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) site located on the Internet at http://ice.disa.mil. If you have any questions, you may contact our Customer Relations office.