Abstract: Objective: To investigate and analyze the needs of the family members of critical patients and their recognition by nurses in emergency department in order to take effective measures according to the difference in recognition. Methods: Critical care family need inventory（CCFNI） was used to investigate the emergency treatment time of 100 critical patients and the needs of their family members as well as the recognition of their needs by 100 nurses in emergency intensive care unit（EICU） The difference in needs of the family members of critical patients and their recognition by nurses was analyzed. Results: There were differences in needs of the family members of critical patients and their cognition by nurses（P＜0.05） in emergency department.The needs of the family members of critical patients were different（P＜0.05）.The recognition was different in different nurses（P＜0.05）. Conclusion: Nurses in emergency department can meet the major needs of the family members of critical patients.