Hospital Shares Important Message During COVID-19 Pandemic: Don’t Delay Emergency Care

Heart attacks, strokes, accidents and injuries: These are just a few examples of medical emergencies that can occur at any time, in any place and to any one – even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

HSHS St. John’s Hospital reminds our community that we are open and available to provide all types of emergency medical care, 24/7, regardless of the current public health crisis. 

A recent report from the American College of Emergency Physicians states some emergency departments across the country are seeing a reduction in patient volumes, as well as patients delaying seeking medical care for non-COVID-19 related emergencies – potentially due to patients being concerned about contracting COVID-19 during a hospital visit or overwhelming health care workers.

“Community members should never delay or neglect pursuing medical care in an emergency situation,” said Dr. Gurpreet Mander, chief medical officer at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. “Our highly qualified medical team is ready for patients needing emergency care. We have protocols and safety precautions put into place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.” 

The following are some examples of symptoms/incidents in which a trip to the emergency department or call to 911 would be necessary:

• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath

• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure

• Severe abdominal pain

• Bleeding that will not stop

• Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness

• Sudden changes in vision

• Sudden confusion

• Injury due to accident, burns or smoke inhalation, near drowning, deep or large wounds or other serious injuries

• Choking

• Difficulty speaking

• Coughing or vomiting blood

• Head or spine injury