Do Not Delay Seeking Emergency Care

4/17/2020

Grandview Medical Center Urging Our Community to Not Delay Seeking Emergency Care

BIRMINGHAM, AL (April 17, 2020) ---- Grandview Medical Center is urging our local community to not delay seeking emergency care when needed. If you experience a medical emergency such as chest pain that may be a heart attack or stroke symptoms - we are here for you. Especially right now.

While some may be worried about COVID-19, no one should ever delay care for medical emergencies. Most ERs currently have lower traffic compared to normal times.

Fear is leading many people to delay treatment for health issues that need to be addressed. Delaying treatment is dangerous, especially when it comes to signs of a heart attack or stroke. Grandview, like other area hospitals, has created advanced screening processes and separate areas for those suspected of having COVID-19.

If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, visit the ER or call 911 immediately. If you are worried about your health or feel sick, you should also not delay calling your family doctor, or visiting an urgent care clinic for more minor injuries or symptoms.

Emergency physicians continue to encourage everyone to practice social distancing and staying at home when possible, but do not delay necessary medical care, especially if you think you are having an emergency.

“We know that people are hesitant and frankly, afraid, to come to the emergency room because of their concerns about the coronavirus,” said Jeffrey Jones, MD, medical director of Grandview’s Emergency Department. “But waiting too long to seek medical attention could make the difference between life and death.”

People continue to have accidents, heart attacks, and strokes, and the emergency department remains the best—and often only—source of lifesaving care, even during a pandemic. “Emergency physicians are expertly trained to protect patients during a pandemic, and we have protocols in place to prevent the spread of the virus,” explained Dr. Jones.

Emergency physicians and other frontline health care workers remain committed to providing care 24 hours a day—regardless of the current public health crisis. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor or call 911 if you need medical attention.

It is also important to know when to go to the emergency department. Some of the warning signs and symptoms of a medical emergency include:

• Bleeding that will not stop
• Breathing problems (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath)
• Change in mental status (such as unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty arousing)
• Chest Pain
• Choking
• Coughing up blood or vomiting blood
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Feeling suicidal or feeling homicidal
• Head or spine injury
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Injury due to a serious motor vehicle accident, burns or smoke inhalation, near drowning, deep or large wound or other serious injuries
• Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
• Sudden dizziness, sudden muscle or general weakness, sudden change in vision
• Ingestion of a poisonous substance
• Severe abdominal pain or pressure

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