{"id":49504,"date":"2026-10-05T15:09:29","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T13:09:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/?p=49504"},"modified":"2026-10-05T15:09:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T13:09:29","slug":"a-day-in-the-life-of-an-emergency-triage-nurse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/2026\/10\/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-emergency-triage-nurse\/","title":{"rendered":"A day in the life of an emergency triage nurse"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"lead\">As the lead triage nurse at Semmelweis University\u2019s Department of Emergency Medicine, Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze has no more than three minutes to assess how urgent a patient\u2019s condition is and identify exactly what care is needed. In our photo report, we take you through one of her night shifts to demonstrate the work that goes on in the emergency room as well as the essence of triage.<\/div>\n<p><em>Click on the pictures to read our photo report.<\/em><\/p>\n\r\n        [slb_exclude]\r\n        <div class=\"row galeria-wrapper mx-0 h-auto\">\r\n            <div class=\"col-9 pl-0 pr-2\">\r\n            <span class=\"gallery-item frame\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"galeria-left-img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242137_0E1A2285_scl-1.jpg\"><img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242137_0E1A2285_scl-1.jpg  \r\n                            alt=\"Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze studied journalism but didn\u2019t want to work in the media. \u201cGrey\u2019s Anatomy, however, was one of my favorite TV series,\u201d she says, pointing out her inspiration at the time. Thanks to this, she eventually completed a three-year training program to become a specialist adult nurse, which also required her to undertake more than 1,000 hours of clinical practice. After several years of experience as a specialist nurse, she began working at Semmelweis University in 2016 when the Emergency Room Department (SBO) was launched. Following a six-year detour at the Military Hospital (now the North Pest Central Hospital \u2013 Military Hospital), she returned in 2025 to Semmelweis University\u2019s Department of Emergency Medicine, headed by Dr. B\u00e1nk Fenyves.\" \r\n                            class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" \r\n                            srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242137_0E1A2285_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242137_0E1A2285_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242137_0E1A2285_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242137_0E1A2285_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242137_0E1A2285_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" ><\/a><\/div>\r\n            <\/span>\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col-3 pl-0 pr-0\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"galeria-right-img d-flex justify-content-between flex-column h-100 w-100 px-0 mx-0 \">\r\n                <div class=\"galeria-box\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"galeria-title\">Gallery<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"galeria-subtitle\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"galeria-page-counter\"><span>21<\/span>images<\/div>\r\n                    <\/div> <\/div>\r\n                    <span class=\"gallery-item frame d-none d-md-flex\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"galeria-small-img mt-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242122_0E1A2192_scl-1.jpg\"><img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242122_0E1A2192_scl-1.jpg \r\n                                alt=\"We accompanied Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze on one of her Monday evening shifts in August. A shift like this runs from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., but Vikt\u00f3ria arrives as early as 6:45 p.m. to take over duties from her morning colleague. She receives a short briefing, and then it\u2019s time to get to work.\"  \r\n                                class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-small size-sote-gallery-small\" \r\n                                srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242122_0E1A2192_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242122_0E1A2192_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242122_0E1A2192_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242122_0E1A2192_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242122_0E1A2192_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" ><\/a><\/div>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span class=\"gallery-item frame d-none d-md-flex\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"galeria-small-img mt-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242116_0E1A2161_scl.jpg\"><img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242116_0E1A2161_scl.jpg \r\n                                alt=\"The first patient arrives quickly - an elderly woman brought to the department by paramedics. Vikt\u00f3ria gets the most important basic information from the paramedics and immediately begins the examination. According to official international guidelines, the triage nurse must assess the patient\u2019s condition within three minutes.\" \r\n                                class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-small size-sote-gallery-small\" \r\n                                srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242116_0E1A2161_scl-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242116_0E1A2161_scl-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242116_0E1A2161_scl-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242116_0E1A2161_scl-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242116_0E1A2161_scl.jpg 1200w\" ><\/a><\/div>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n\r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242119_0E1A2181_scl.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242119_0E1A2181_scl.jpg alt=\"As Vikt\u00f3ria notes, after 10 years of experience, she now runs through a complete \u201calgorithm\u201d in her head, knowing exactly what comes next. \u201cI address the patient and ask what their symptoms are: dizziness, stomach ache, vomiting, nausea, or perhaps chest pain - I have to ask specific questions while measuring their vital signs, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. I also assess their level of consciousness using the GCS, or Glasgow Coma Scale, and, taking all of this into account, I evaluate their condition on a five-point scale,\u201d she explains.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242119_0E1A2181_scl-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242119_0E1A2181_scl-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242119_0E1A2181_scl-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242119_0E1A2181_scl-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242119_0E1A2181_scl.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242148_0E1A2342_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242148_0E1A2342_scl-1.jpg alt=\"\u201cThe emergency room isn\u2019t a bank; we don\u2019t call patients in the order they arrive. It doesn\u2019t matter when or how someone arrived - on their own or by ambulance - the only thing that matters is who is in the worst condition or potentially in the worst condition. That is what triage is used to assess: From the large number of people coming in, we have to determine who needs medical care the soonest,\u201d Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze says.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242148_0E1A2342_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242148_0E1A2342_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242148_0E1A2342_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242148_0E1A2342_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242148_0E1A2342_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242117_0E1A2188_scl.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242117_0E1A2188_scl.jpg alt=\"Category 1 refers to the most severe, life-threatening conditions, such as cardiac or respiratory arrest or an epileptic seizure - in such cases, the medical staff on site must begin treating the patient immediately. Category 2 covers critical cases - such patients cannot be left unattended. These include chest pain of cardiac origin, severe central pain, shortness of breath, and the recovery period following an epileptic seizure (postictal state). Category 3 includes patients in an urgent but non-life-threatening condition who complain of pain, have fainted, or are experiencing dizziness - according to Vikt\u00f3ria, these patients make up the largest group. Category 4 is assigned to non-urgent cases where symptoms are caused, for example, by pre-existing chronic conditions, while category 5 includes cases whose treatment can be postponed, and which do not actually require emergency care.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242117_0E1A2188_scl-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242117_0E1A2188_scl-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242117_0E1A2188_scl-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242117_0E1A2188_scl-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242117_0E1A2188_scl.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242127_0E1A2232_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242127_0E1A2232_scl-1.jpg alt=\"Another elderly patient arrives. \u201cThis patient, who has previously suffered a stroke and has dementia, came to the emergency room because of a feeling of weakness. The patient had no specific complaints; their blood sugar was slightly elevated, and their pulse was a little higher than it should be, but they are not in pain. They fall into category 3; we\u2019ll provide them with a bed in the treatment area, and given their pulse, we\u2019ll monitor them and begin treatment,\u201d the nurse explains, outlining the reasons for the classification.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242127_0E1A2232_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242127_0E1A2232_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242127_0E1A2232_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242127_0E1A2232_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242127_0E1A2232_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242124_0E1A2211_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242124_0E1A2211_scl-1.jpg alt=\"The next patient is also brought in by paramedics; since a previous accident, they have had difficulty bending one of their knees and feel pain when moving it. The patient had previously visited the Department of Traumatology, from which they were sent home since they did not require urgent care - but they remain unable to walk and feel as though their legs won\u2019t support them. They say that the weakness in their lower limbs has been a long-standing problem that has now worsened. They were assigned to triage category 4, from which they could proceed to the outpatient area; however, since they are unable to move even while seated in a chair, they are being taken to the ward reserved for inpatients.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242124_0E1A2211_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242124_0E1A2211_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242124_0E1A2211_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242124_0E1A2211_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242124_0E1A2211_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242140_0E1A2295_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242140_0E1A2295_scl-1.jpg alt=\"The inpatient ward houses patients whose medical condition requires continuous observation, monitoring if necessary, or a higher level of care. The Department of Emergency Medicine has five such examination rooms, each with four to five beds, where observation is provided by one nurse per room and a monitor mounted above each bed.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242140_0E1A2295_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242140_0E1A2295_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242140_0E1A2295_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242140_0E1A2295_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242140_0E1A2295_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242133_0E1A2261_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242133_0E1A2261_scl-1.jpg alt=\"The medical staff (on-call doctors, as well as paramedics conducting examinations and registered nurses with expanded authority) sit at central workstations in front of the examination rooms, where they can continuously observe the condition of multiple patients at once via the monitors. A shift is staffed by roughly ten medical providers and twenty nurses, whose work is supported on average by five patient transporters, four administrators (two of whom handle patient discharges), and one dispatcher.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242133_0E1A2261_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242133_0E1A2261_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242133_0E1A2261_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242133_0E1A2261_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242133_0E1A2261_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242132_0E1A2260_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242132_0E1A2260_scl-1.jpg alt=\"The physician in charge of the shift coordinates the work - patients who have undergone triage and are in the inpatient ward are under his or her supervision. After examinations, it is also their responsibility to decide which patients can be discharged or transferred to another hospital ward so that a more serious case can receive care sooner.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242132_0E1A2260_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242132_0E1A2260_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242132_0E1A2260_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242132_0E1A2260_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242132_0E1A2260_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242138_0E1A2288_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242138_0E1A2288_scl-1.jpg alt=\"This is the resuscitation room, where a member of the care team is currently checking on a patient who arrived earlier. Here, patients in critical and life-threatening condition - typically those in triage categories 1 and 2 - are treated by experienced specialist nurses, as well as consultants, residents, and paramedics who specialize in caring for patients who are critically ill.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242138_0E1A2288_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242138_0E1A2288_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242138_0E1A2288_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242138_0E1A2288_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242138_0E1A2288_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242134_0E1A2266_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242134_0E1A2266_scl-1.jpg alt=\"At the Department of Emergency Medicine, there are four beds in the resuscitation room and an additional twelve in the observation area, all in a highly equipped setting. Patients admitted here remain in this area even after their condition has stabilized, until they are transferred to another ward or, in rare cases, discharged home.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242134_0E1A2266_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242134_0E1A2266_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242134_0E1A2266_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242134_0E1A2266_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242134_0E1A2266_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242165_0E1A2426_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242165_0E1A2426_scl-1.jpg alt=\"As a lead triage nurse, Vikt\u00f3ria works in the administrative booth when she is not performing triage. Here, she coordinates with her colleagues, handles paperwork, or speaks with the central bed registry to determine where specific patients belong and which care unit they are assigned to. \u201cAt the Department of Emergency Medicine, we treat everyone who waits their turn - in the order dictated by the principles of emergency medicine, based on the severity of their condition. Because of more urgent cases, this can easily mean a longer wait for those who do not require immediate care,\u201d Vikt\u00f3ria observes. (You can read about on-call services outside of emergency care in the caption under picture 21.)\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242165_0E1A2426_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242165_0E1A2426_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242165_0E1A2426_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242165_0E1A2426_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242165_0E1A2426_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242161_0E1A2411_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242161_0E1A2411_scl-1.jpg alt=\"According to Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze, for every patient their own ailment and pain is the most severe, and on top of that, everyone in the emergency room is scared and impatient. So it is understandable that many people are dissatisfied or irritated because they have to wait. However, the very purpose of triage is to identify who needs care the soonest. \u201cWith more than ten years of experience, I can say that the triage system works,\u201d she emphasizes. She not only performs triage on a daily basis but also teaches it and audits the process for quality control.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242161_0E1A2411_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242161_0E1A2411_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242161_0E1A2411_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242161_0E1A2411_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242161_0E1A2411_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242156_0E1A2385_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242156_0E1A2385_scl-1.jpg alt=\"The Department of Emergency Medicine sees an average of 170 patients per day, about two-thirds of whom arrive during the day. \u201cNo one has a lighter workload because a significant proportion of the patients admitted during the day have to be \u2018processed\u2019 at night. It is impossible to predict how many patients will arrive at any given time, even though certain conditions show noticeable seasonality - for example, there are more cases of blood pressure problems and dehydration during hot weather,\u201d explains Vikt\u00f3ria. The heaviest workload occurs between 10 a.m. and midnight.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242156_0E1A2385_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242156_0E1A2385_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242156_0E1A2385_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242156_0E1A2385_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242156_0E1A2385_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242149_0E1A2343_scl-2.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242149_0E1A2343_scl-2.jpg alt=\"Another elderly patient, who has previously suffered a stroke, arrives. Their overall health is poor; they are pale, have slight fever, and have been measured with low blood pressure and low oxygen saturation. The patient has a pressure ulcer that could potentially lead to sepsis, and their level of consciousness is somnolent - meaning that if left alone, they fall asleep. They have received infusion therapy and oxygen but are difficult to engage in meaningful communication. They are classified as critically ill, fall into triage category 2, and their care must begin in the observation area.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242149_0E1A2343_scl-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242149_0E1A2343_scl-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242149_0E1A2343_scl-2-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242149_0E1A2343_scl-2-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242149_0E1A2343_scl-2.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242143_0E1A2319_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242143_0E1A2319_scl-1.jpg alt=\"What Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze enjoys about her work is precisely one of its greatest challenges. \u201cNo two patients are alike, just as no two days or situations are alike. The work is very varied, and I have to take good decisions quickly in every situation,\u201d she underlines. \u201cYou have to know how to deal with people and understand them. This is absolutely a team effort, and most importantly, the patient is part of the team - we\u2019re all working in their best interest,\u201d pointed out Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze, who specifically stresses that she really enjoys working with both the paramedics and the clinic staff.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242143_0E1A2319_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242143_0E1A2319_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242143_0E1A2319_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242143_0E1A2319_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242143_0E1A2319_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242139_0E1A2294_scl-2.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242139_0E1A2294_scl-2.jpg alt=\"\u201cIt has happened to me three times that a patient died under my care. Each time, it was almost as if they had predicted it. One of them was a woman in her seventies who came in with chest pain; I was just asking her about her medical condition when she looked at me, reached for her chest, and said, \u2018I\u2019m going to die now.\u2019 No sooner had she said it than she collapsed - even though I began CPR immediately, there was nothing I could do to save her. Cases like this stay with me for a long time.\u201d\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242139_0E1A2294_scl-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242139_0E1A2294_scl-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242139_0E1A2294_scl-2-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242139_0E1A2294_scl-2-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242139_0E1A2294_scl-2.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242169_0E1A2476_scl-2.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242169_0E1A2476_scl-2.jpg alt=\"Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze is happy to take on extra shifts, so she often works overtime. \u201cThe work is very demanding; I don\u2019t have a family of my own and live alone, but I have the utmost respect for those who, in addition to working in the emergency room, raise children, for example. After a day spent doing triage, my favorite pastime is to relax at home in silence and somehow try to block out the noise in my head,\u201d she notes.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242169_0E1A2476_scl-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242169_0E1A2476_scl-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242169_0E1A2476_scl-2-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242169_0E1A2476_scl-2-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242169_0E1A2476_scl-2.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span><span class=\"gallery-item\"><div class=\"hidden\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242145_0E1A2330_scl-1.jpg\">\r\n        <img src=https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242145_0E1A2330_scl-1.jpg alt=\"Even during a single shift at the Department of Emergency Medicine, there are several patients who actually do not need emergency care. Some come instead of seeing their family doctor or seeking care from a specialist on call, but it also happens that someone arrives with a chronic, long-standing problem in the hope of receiving a medical imaging test sooner. According to Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze, however, this is not the case, so in such situations she continues to recommend to everyone that they go to a specialist clinic. Nevertheless, if someone is in pain, is unwell, and feels they need emergency care, they should definitely go to the emergency room. \u201cAs a layperson, no one can know what\u2019s wrong with them or how serious it is. I don\u2019t know anything about cars either; if something rattles in my car, I take it to a mechanic right away because I can\u2019t tell if it\u2019s a minor problem or something more serious,\u201d Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze points out. At the department, triage quickly helps determine how serious a patient\u2019s medical problem is, and those whose condition warrants it receive immediate care. If you do not need emergency care, you can call the Eg\u00e9szs\u00e9gvonal (Hungarian National Health Helpline) at 1812 - free of charge - every day between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. to schedule an appointment for outpatient specialty care. The unified on-call number 1830 can be called for urgent but non-life-threatening cases on weekdays between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following morning, as well as all day on weekends and holidays. By dialing this number, you can find out which facility you belong to based on your place of residence, or where you can access specialty care that operates on an on-call basis - such as an ear, nose and throat clinic, an eye ward, or an oral surgery.\" class=\"attachment-sote-gallery-big size-sote-gallery-big\" srcset=\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242145_0E1A2330_scl-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242145_0E1A2330_scl-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242145_0E1A2330_scl-1-753x502.jpg 753w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242145_0E1A2330_scl-1-203x135.jpg 203w, https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2026\/10\/RS242145_0E1A2330_scl-1.jpg 1200w\" >\r\n        <\/a><\/div><\/span>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n            [\/slb_exclude]\r\n\t\n<p>\u00c1d\u00e1m Szab\u00f3<br \/>\nTranslation: Dr. Bal\u00e1zs Csizmadia<br \/>\nPhotos by B\u00e1lint Barta \u2013 Semmelweis University<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We accompanied Vikt\u00f3ria Vincze on a Monday evening shift in August.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":102369,"featured_media":49505,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[129,286],"tags":[377],"class_list":["post-49504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","category-x-nyitolap","tag-one-day-series"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/102369"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49504"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49533,"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49504\/revisions\/49533"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49505"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}