An emergency room clogged with patients is an unwelcome sight for everyone involved — patients, doctors and other caregivers alike.

Hospitals responded in the past by sending incoming ambulances to other hospitals, sometimes 10 to 15 critical minutes away.

But under a policy that took effect this month, hospitals in Milwaukee County are no longer allowed to divert ambulances when their emergency departments have a high volume of patients.

"We needed to do better for the patients," said M. Riccardo Colella, director of medical services for the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management.  >> Click to read more...