14 reasons to go to the ER during pandemic

As Memorial Day weekend approaches and more people venture outside, Emergency Department doctors at Abrazo Health hospitals remind the public that when emergencies happen, hospital ERs are open and delaying care could make matters worse.

“Many of us will be venturing out to enjoy the outdoors over the long holiday weekend. It’s important to know that emergencies can happen any time and hospital ERs are open and safe,” says Dr. Brian Hess, medical director for Emergency Services at Abrazo Health hospitals.

Abrazo hospital emergency physicians offer these 14 reasons to go to the ER:

· Trouble breathing

· Sudden, sever problem that is life or limb threatening

· Serious burns

· Head trauma or sudden confusion

· Weakness or numbness on one side

· Severe cuts that may require stitches

· Slurred speech

· Sudden blurred or lost vision

· Facial cuts or lacerations

· Uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea

· Fainting or change in mental state

· Seizure

· Chest pain or pressure

· Broken bones and dislocated joints

“Even during the coronavirus pandemic, emergencies happen. We are concerned that patients may not be seeking care until it is too late and want to make sure that they are not afraid to seek help,” says Dr. Hess.

Emergency care is available Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, Abrazo Central Campus, Abrazo Mesa Hospital, Abrazo Scottsdale Campus and Abrazo West Campus, as well as freestanding ERs at Abrazo Buckeye Emergency Center and Abrazo Peoria Emergency Center.

Abrazo hospitals now allow one designated visitor to accompany patients in the Emergency Department, or having a scheduled elective procedure. Abrazo has adopted Covid Safety standards that offer peace of mind to patients and their loved ones receiving emergency care.

Included in the standards are distinct Covid Safety Zones and Covid Care Zones – separate areas with clear signage and protocols, enhanced cleaning of surfaces and plenty of hand sanitization stations rigorous protocols for screening, universal masking and access to PPE, and precautions for patients and visitors including facemasks, hand sanitizer and physical distancing in waiting areas.

“Our community should be reassured that our hospitals and ERs are safe places to help them if they think they may have an emergency. “Patients may have a greater risk of death, loss of function or longer hospital stays with decreased likelihood of complete recovery because they waited to go to the ER, explains Dr. Hess.

For more information about emergency care at Abrazo Health hospitals, visit https://www.abrazohealth.com/services/emergency-room/hospital-er-safety