In Case of Emergency, Don’t Wait

Dr. Jeremy Finkelstein T hroughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you’ve probably made decisions about which risks to take. However, there is one choice that should be clear: If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms that require immediate medical attention, don’t let your fear of catching COVID-19 keep you from heading to the emergency room.

IT’S SAFE IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM “Our top priority in the ER, whether or not there is a pandemic, is your safety,” said Jeremy Finkelstein, MD, FACEP Medical Director, Emergency Department at Houston Methodist Hospital. “We’ve taken extra precautions to ensure that all our Houston Methodist Emergency Departments and Emergency Care Centers are safe.”

Those precautions include:

Requiring masks and ensuring social distancing in waiting rooms. If you forget your mask, we can provide one. Increasing levels of cleaning in our facilities. Screening visitors before entering our clinics. Isolating suspected coronavirus patients. KNOW WHICH SYMPTOMS ARE CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY When you are experiencing a medical emergency, time is of the essence. Many conditions or illnesses can worsen if you wait too long to seek treatment. It’s important to recognize the onset of serious or debilitating symptoms that require immediate attention, including:

Abdominal or stomach pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting Bodily trauma, especially to the head or spine Constant pain or pressure in the chest Fever of 100.4 F or higher that persists Severe burns

Severe unrelenting headaches, especially if accompanied by fever or confusion

Stroke symptoms, including face drooping, arm weakness, difficulty talking, dizziness, blurred vision, intense headache and confusion Sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing

If you,re experiencing any of these symptoms, seek emergency care as soon as possible. Some serious symptoms, such as chest pain and those associated with stroke, are time

sensitive, and you should call 911.

Know Where to Go

We’re doing everything we can to keep Houston safe and healthy. Visit houstonmethodist.org/er to find emergency care near you. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911.