If you are at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, it is important to understand one thing: A&E is not a first-come, first-served system. It is a triage system based on clinical risk.
While there is no “magic word” to skip the queue, the way you describe your symptoms can determine whether you are seen in minutes or hours. Here is how to communicate your urgency clearly and accurately.
When you reach the triage nurse, avoid vague phrases like “I feel funny” or “I’m just unwell.” Use the P.S.T. framework:
P – Pattern: When did it start? Is it constant or coming in waves?
S – Severity: Use a scale of 1–10. “This is an 8/10 pain that came on suddenly” is more actionable than “It hurts a lot.”
T – Type: Use descriptive words. Is the pain crushing, stabbing, burning, or throbbing? > Critical Tip: If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or new-onset weakness/numbness, state these immediately and clearly. These are “Red Flag” symptoms that trigger instant assessment.
A common myth is that hospital computers are linked to your GP surgery. They usually are not. To speed up your care, you must provide your own medical history.
Medication List: Keep a photo of your prescriptions on your phone.
Past History: Clearly state if you have major conditions like Diabetes, Asthma, or Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD).
Surgeries: Mention any recent operations (especially heart, brain, or abdominal surgery).
Triage is a snapshot in time. If you were categorized as “Standard” three hours ago but your condition has changed, you must speak up.
Alert a staff member if you experience:
Increased shortness of breath.
Feeling faint or dizzy when sitting up.
Pain that is no longer responding to the initial medication provided.
New confusion or shivering.
Engaged patients are often processed more effectively. If you feel your urgency isn’t being understood, ask these three calm, professional questions:
“What is the clinical concern for my current symptoms?”
“Has my worsening pain been noted in my triage notes?”
“Is there an ‘Urgent Care’ or ‘Minor Injuries’ stream I should be in instead?”
If you are in severe pain, you may not be the best person to describe your symptoms. If possible, have a friend or family member with you.
They can keep track of time.
They can alert staff if you become pale, sweaty, or less responsive.
They can provide a “baseline”—telling the nurse, “This is not how they normally act/look.”
| Instead of saying… | Try saying… | Why it works |
| “I’ve got a bad stomach ache.” | “I have severe, cramping pain in my lower right side that started 2 hours ago.” | Pinpoints the location and timing for a surgical assessment. |
| “I’m feeling a bit dizzy.” | “I feel lightheaded and my heart is racing; I feel like I might pass out.” | Suggests a potential cardiac or blood pressure issue. |
| “My head hurts.” | “This is a sudden ‘thunderclap’ headache; the worst I’ve ever had.” | Triggers immediate neurological screening. |
Staff in A&E are under immense pressure. Shouting or being confrontational often slows down the process. Polite persistence is your most effective tool. If you feel your condition is an emergency, describe the risk, not just the wait.
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