[Description of a U.S. emergency department and its patient population during a year]

In the United States, Emergency Medicine (EM) is recognized as an independent medical speciality, which focuses on the initial evaluation and treatment of all patients with acute illness or injury. Patients have free access to the emergency department (ED), which serves as the main portal of entry for most acute patients coming into the hospital. The ED is staffed with EM specialists at all hours. The purpose of this study was to describe a U.S. tertiary care hospital ED and the patient population that is cared for there.

A descriptive retrospective study of the patient population at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Emergency Department, from 1 January to 31 December 2003. Demographic data were collected for each patient, as well as estimated severity index score, diagnosis and ED disposition.

46,936 patients with a median age of 46.5 years where seen at the ED in 2003. Women represented 56%. The majority of patients had an ESI triage score = 3. All of the main categories of ICD-9 diagnostic codes where represented among patients' ED discharge diagnoses. 65% of ED patients where discharged home from the department. Approximately one third where admitted to the hospital.

A broad range of patients are seen in the ED, which sets high demands for the knowledge and skills of the ED staff as well as co-operation between the ED and other specialties and hospital departments.