Medical Emergencies
Don’t Keep a Medical Emergency to Yourself
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a ripple effect on people seeking healthcare. Fear of infection has led some persons to avoid seeking medical treatment, even when it’s been critical to their health. Concern over the coronavirus is understandable, but seeking help for medical needs remains extremely important. This is especially true of medical emergencies, when fast action may be the difference between life and death.
Baptist Health is your trusted source for emergency care. Our 24-hour emergency rooms and staff are trained to diagnose and treat a full range of life-threatening conditions for patients of any age. We take a three-step approach in every case, by assessing quickly the nature of your illness or injury, neutralizing imminent threats to life or limb, and arranging for follow-up care. We do all of this while implementing the strictest infection control procedures in order to help keep all patients safe.
When Do I Need Emergency Care?
A medical emergency is any injury or illness that, if left untreated, poses an immediate threat to life or limb. You should call 911 or go to the nearest medical-emergency facility if you believe that you’re experiencing a medical emergency. If you are unsure of the nature or severity of your condition, it is far better to be safe than sorry and visit an emergency room.
To expedite your care, we suggest you bring with you your primary care physician’s name and office address (if you have one), the name and dosage of any medications you are taking, an insurance card, and a photo ID. If you are admitted to the hospital from the emergency room, a friend or family member can provide you with any additional items you need.
Keeping You Safe from Infection in Emergencies
Baptist Health has implemented safety procedures at all facilities, including our emergency departments, for minimizing the risk of COVID-19 infection. When you arrive at one of our locations, explain your emergent condition to admitting personnel and identify whether you’ve experienced coronavirus symptoms. Our emergency staff will take over from there, focusing on your immediate medical needs and taking appropriate precautionary measures.
Keep in mind that ER staff will be wearing masks and other protective equipment. There’s no need to be alarmed, because this equipment promotes the safety of everyone in the facility. Patients and visitors are required to wear masks as well. Click here to learn more about our visitor restrictions.
Be Prepared to Seek Emergency Care
In any medical crisis, it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you program all emergency numbers into your cell phone or keep a list by your telephone at home. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or arrange transport to the nearest emergency facility. Be assured that your safety is our top priority