Figure 1

Examples of combining characteristics to describe individual emergency departments. a The schematic on the left depicts a contiguous ED with triage to service. The schematic on the right depicts a non-contiguous ED. Other specialty care is not depicted to emphasize the difference in layout between these two similar ED types. The difference between the two categories of ED hinges on the location of pediatric medical care. In the non-contiguous ED, this care is located in a different place within the healthcare facility than the remainder of emergency care. b This schematic depicts an ED with adult medical and surgical care, as well as pediatric surgical care and some specialty care, in one location, but pediatric medical care and specialty care in separate locations within a healthcare facility.