ERs stand ready and safe for all emergencies

If you have any medical emergency, here is an important message from Dan Bissell, M.D.: It’s safe to come to the ER, even amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“The ER stands ready to care for any patient, anytime, for any complaint,” says Dr. Bissell, medical director of Legacy Emergency Services.

 
ERs want to care for the community 

Because of concern for the coronavirus, people have not been coming to the emergency departments as usual, Dr. Bissell says.

“That is really concerning to us,” he says. “Because we know that illness still exists in our community. And we need to care for those people.”

Special steps for COVID-19

Legacy hospitals have taken special steps to keep those with signs of COVID-19 separate from patients with other emergency needs.
 
In addition, staff members wear masks and keep their distance from patients and families. “The ER is a safe place to seek care for all of your emergency needs,” Dr. Bissell says.

Seek emergency care when you need it

Dr. Bissell urges you to seek emergency care if you need it. Delaying treatment for someone who is having a heart attack, stroke or other condition can be dangerous.
 
“If you are having chest pains, headache, numbness or abdominal pain, call 911 or go to the local ER,” Dr. Bissell says. “Our emergency rooms and hospitals stand ready to serve any emergency need you may have.”

Learn the signs of stroke and heart attack.

Media: Vicki Guinn, vguinn@lhs.org