Background: Fundamental to well-functioning healthcare is to have the possibility to prioritize patients to an appropriate level of care in a quick and safe manner. The initial meeting with a patient is a complex situation in there the nurse is responsible. In the multicultural society of Namibia, have the most people access to basic healthcare today and more and more patients tend to seek emergency care. Therefore, it is important that there are methods that meet the patient caring needs.

Aim: The purpose of the study is to elucidate nurse methods in initial treatment of patient who seeking emergency care. Two research questions guided the study: (a) How do nurses act when prioritizing patients in Namibian emergency care? (b) How is nurses' treatment of acutely ill patients described in scientific studies?

Method: An observational study was performed at a hospital in Namibia. The used method for the study was ten observations combined with a literature review.

Results: The observational study showed that vital parameters are a considerable factor for patient safety. The results from the literature review was indicating; clinical experience, medical history together with significant factors in patient safety which is affected by assets, strain and knowledge.

Conclusion: Vital parameters are a major factor in emergency care and triage. Knowledge about emergency care and experience is also of great importance as there are otherwise risks of endangering patient safety.