"Basic ED Protocol"

My child who is a young adult attended Joondalup ED recently with central crushing chest pain. We were refused access to accompany our child as they are a young adult, which I respected was related to pandemic rules. However, there my child stayed for three hours, distressed, no observations and no ecg.

My child doubted themselves and did not complain, initially believing they were overreacting to their pain as I believe even professionals had stereotyped them. How could a young adult have a cardiac event? My child was scared and frightened. After encouragement via phone by their family, my child went back to the triage nurse requesting an ecg. As I understand it, the nurse begrudgingly agreed, rolling their eyes at my child's request.

Once the ecg was done, I understand my child's care was prioritised as they were diagnosed with pericarditis. Once this diagnosis was triggered, a mediocre protocol was followed, observations, chest x-ray, bloods, serial ecg. Medical staff, once aware of my child's presence, their presenting symptoms and prior history were amazing. The doctor explained the condition and it’s management.

Fortunately, my child only required medication management, but understood they would need this for at least three months and curtail exercise. 13 hours later and many calls to ED, my child was discharged.

I fully understand that ED is a high pressured environment, however clinical triaging, appropriate triage assessment with basic observations and clinical prioritisation is an essential clinical triage skill.

Have we forgotten Aishwarya, I feel we haven't learnt anything?