Emergency Departments (EDs) frequently encounter overcrowding, extended waiting periods, and inconsistent triage accuracy, resulting in negative effects on patient outcomes and staff wellbeing. This research examines these challenges within a Jordanian hospital by integrating optimization and waste management methodologies with Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) and specific operational interventions. Three interventions were developed and assessed: (i) a Python-based Triage Game aimed at nurse training and performance evaluation, (ii) a restructured intake “Smart Area” featuring spatial and workflow enhancements, and (iii) a color-coded overhead lighting system designed for visual prioritization. A validated DES model, developed from approximately 20,000 historical patient records and corroborated with hospital operational data and expert evaluation, was employed to compare baseline and improvement scenarios. The redesigned system enhanced triage accuracy from 67% to 92% and decreased misclassification rates from 25% to 5%. Average patient waiting times reduced from 98 minutes to 27 minutes, and staff satisfaction improved from 55% to 88%. The sensitivity analyses conducted for peak-season demand validated the robustness of these enhancements. The integrated framework is scalable and provides a practical, evidence-based guide for hospitals aiming to enhance ED throughput while ensuring patient-centered care.