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What to Expect Inside a Covenant Health Emergency Department

  • 4 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 5/19/2026

When someone visits a Covenant Health emergency department, they’re often facing a stressful and unexpected moment. Behind the scenes, an entire team stands ready to provide compassionate, expert care. While emergency care moves fast, every team member shares the same goal of putting patients first and providing excellent care.  

From the moment patients walk through the doors, we want them and their families to feel at ease. By helping patients understand what to expect and guiding them through each step, our teams work to bring clarity and reassurance during an uncertain time.  

A group of people in medical uniforms stands together smiling outside a hospital emergency entrance beneath a large red AMBULANCE sign. Two people in civilian clothes stand at each end of the group.

Step 1: Arrival and First Assessment 

Patients arrive at the emergency department in one of two ways: by ambulance or as a walk-in. 

Emergency Medical Services 

For patients who arrive by ambulance, care begins before they reach the hospital. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams provide lifesaving treatment in the field and communicate critical information to the emergency department upon arrival. 

“Many patients come in by ambulance after care has already started,” says Chris Whaley, Covenant Health paramedic. “Our handoff helps the emergency team act quickly.” 

Walk-In 

Walk-in patients are greeted by the admissions and registration team. These team members gather basic information and help patients understand what to expect. 

For urgent but non‑life‑threatening symptoms, patients can help streamline their visit by calling 865‑374‑GOER (4637) before arriving. Our team will review your symptoms and add you to the Call Ahead ED waiting list to support a smoother arrival and care experience. 

“When someone walks in, our goal is to reassure them, get them registered and explain the next steps,” says Cynthia King, registration supervisor at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. 

Step 2: Identifying Urgent Needs in Triage 

After registration, a triage nurse evaluates each patient. The nurse checks vital signs and looks for symptoms that may point to a serious condition. 

“Triage helps us decide who needs care right away,” says Sabrina Bowens, RN, at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System. “It’s not about who arrived first; it’s about who needs care first.” 

Once patients move into the treatment area, a full care team works together to meet their needs. 

Step 3: Meeting Your Emergency Care Team 

Emergency Nurses 

Emergency nurses care for patients throughout their visit, administering medications, starting IVs, monitoring changes and keeping patients and families informed. 

“We support patients from start to finish and help guide care every step of the way,” says Kailea Mckeehan, RN, at Covenant Health LeConte.  

Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers  

Physicians and advanced practice providers examine patients, order tests and make treatment decisions. They treat conditions ranging from routine injuries to serious emergencies. 

“We diagnose problems and provide care for conditions like trauma, stroke and heart attack,” says Michael McDonald, DO, emergency medicine physician at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. 

Radiology and Laboratory Teams

Fast and accurate testing helps guide treatment in the emergency department. Radiology teams take X-rays and CT scans. Laboratory teams run urgent tests that provide quick results. 

“Our team provides fast imaging that helps the care team understand what is happening, so providers get results when they need them,” says Stacey Sellers, RT(R), imaging supervisor at Methodist Medical Center. 

Step 4: Establishing Next Steps 

After exams, tests and treatment are complete, the care team helps patients understand what happens next. 

Admission or Discharge  

After evaluation and treatment, providers determine whether a patient needs to be admitted for continued care or if they can safely return home. Nurses review discharge instructions, medications and follow-up plans to ensure patients understand their next steps. 

Preparing for the Next Patient 

After a patient is admitted or discharged, Environmental Services team members thoroughly clean and disinfect the room, preparing it for the next patient. 

“Our role is to make sure every room is clean, safe and ready for care,” says Laura Smith, environmental services team member at Cumberland Medical Center.  

Emergency Care Throughout East Tennessee 

Covenant Health provides emergency care at ten locations across East Tennessee. Our teams serve communities around the clock with skill and compassion.  

Learn more about our emergency services and find care at a Covenant Health emergency department near you. 

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