Don’t let COVID-19 stop you fromgoing to the ER

The COVID-19 pandemic requires people to maintain social (or physical) distance from others, as well as minimize unnecessary trips outside of the house. These common-sense precautions can go a long way to keeping everyone safe.

However, in some cases, fear of contracting COVID-19 is causing people to postpone necessary medical procedures or even avoid visits to hospital emergency rooms at times when they really should be evaluated for amedical emergency.

You may be asking yourself, is it safe to visit the ER during the COVID-19 pandemic? Medical experts say yes.

Mindy Clark, health and wellness director from SageLife’s innovative senior living community,

Daylesford Crossing in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, offers some tips and advice for safer ER visits.

Hospitals are taking precautions

Businesses in all industries are taking precautions against the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, and hospitals are no exception.

“From bottom to top, hospitals have undergone an overhaul in processes and procedures to prevent the spread of germs,” Clark said.

Here are some examples ofwhat health care providers are doing to keep patients and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Ambulances are decontaminatedwithmethods aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Masks and temperature checks are enforcedat hospital entrances.

Enhanced cleaning and sanitization processes are followed.

In general, hospitals are wellstocked with protective gear and supplies and are no longer facing PPE shortages that were common at the start of the pandemic.

Patients who have (or are presumed to have) COVID-19 are diverted and isolated in a dedicated part of the hospital.

Dedicated staff are assigned to the COVID-19wing in order to reduce the chances of carrying the disease into otherparts of thehospital.

Patients with non-urgentmedical concernsare “seen” andtreated through telemedicine instead of in-person whenever possible.

The number of non-patient hospital visitors are generally restricted.

Don’t avoid the ER in an emergency

“If you are experiencingamedical emergency, do not skip a visit to the emergency room,” Clark said. “The consequences of avoiding the ER out of fear are farmore dangerous than the potential risk of contracting COVID-19.”

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or visit your local ER immediately:

• Difficulty or inability to speak.

•Drooping face.

• Difficulty breathing or chest tightness.

•Pain the chest or upper abdominal area.

•Uncontrolled bleeding.

•Uncontrolled pain.

•Confusion or dizziness.

•Persistent or severe vomiting and diarrhea.

• Seizures.

•Broken bones.

•Head injury.

• Uncontrolled fever.

Address minor conditions outside of the hospital

If you are experiencing a medical condition that is not lifethreatening, check in with your primary physician ormedical professional for advice.

“In many cases, you may be able to select a virtual doctor’s visit (an appointment by phone and/or video) to take care of urgent but non-emergency health issues,” Clark said.

Minor conditions include skin rashes or irritations, muscle sprains, sinus or ear infections, minor cuts or skin wounds, minor nausea or stomach issues and sore throats, coughs or colds.