We’ve got your back: Five things to know about your spine
JUN 27, 2022Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
Read More Additional information about 5 things to know about your spine | St. Joseph HealthBecause the situation surrounding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, some information may not be up to date. Stay informed by visiting the CDC website.
Across the nation, people are avoiding going to the emergency room, even for heart attacks, strokes, and surgical emergencies. This is leading to an increase in preventable death and lifelong disability. Here’s what you need to know about going to the ER during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paul Goen, MD, FACEP, the emergency department medical director at St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital, explains why timely care is so important.
“There are emergent situations where minutes, or even seconds, make a big difference in the clinical outcome. Specifically, some traumatic injuries, strokes, and heart attacks have to be addressed in a timely manner, or an individual could have long-term devastating effects.”
He continues, “Other symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, severe headache, and other signs, can be indicative of a time-sensitive emergency. The bottom line is you should not put off seeking care for fear of COVID-19.”
“There are not any studies out there to show us how likely it is that you will contract COVID-19 by visiting an emergency department. That being said, I can assure you that we take way more precautions in our emergency department than just about anywhere else you may visit. Visiting one of our departments is certainly safer than simply going to the grocery store. This is due to all of the precautions that we take with every patient,” Dr. Goen explains.
Our ERs are following advanced protocol to keep patients safe.
“We have instituted numerous safety measures in our emergency departments to ensure patient and staff safety. All of our staff members are screened daily for signs, symptoms, and fever. Once in the hospital, all of our staff members wear masks. All of our physicians and APPs seeing patients in the emergency department wear masks, eye protection, and gloves. If there is high suspicion for COVID-19, we also wear full gowns. Additionally, our staff members are constantly observing one another to ensure that we are using our PPE appropriately and that we are sanitizing appropriately.”
But our efforts don’t stop there.
“All of our patients are screened for signs, symptoms, and fever, as well. All patients, regardless of the reason why they are in the emergency department, are placed in masks too. If someone is suspected of having COVID-19, they are placed in a specific, isolated area. These patients are led to rooms via a specific route that limits any intermingling with the other patient population,” says Dr. Goen.
Dr. Goen offers one final thought: “The main thing to remember is that if you feel you have a medical emergency, and you would have visited the emergency room for this issue prior to COVID-19, you should go to the emergency department. Do not hesitate, because in a true emergency, minutes and seconds can matter a great deal.”
If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to get help. Call 911 or go to the ER. Be prepared and locate your nearest St. Joseph Health emergency room.
Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
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