When the unexpected happens, time is of the essence. Having a Level IV Trauma Center nearby can be a lifesaver when you are experiencing a medical emergency. In McCulloch County, Heart of Texas Healthcare System (HTHS) has a professional emergency medical team available around the clock so you can get the care you need.
“Every second counts when you are experiencing a medical emergency,” said Tim Jones, CEO of Heart of Texas Healthcare System at Heart of Texas Healthcare System. “That is why it is so important to seek medical care as soon as possible. You can count on emergency care available when you need it in our community”
As a Level IV Trauma Center, HTHS is certified to treat patients in almost any situation. The emergency department is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with nurses and physicians specially trained to provide comprehensive medical and surgical services.
Hospitals can apply for one of four levels of trauma-center designation, each based upon the resources available at each facility. Many rural hospitals in Texas have either no designation or a Level IV Trauma Center designation.
The HTHS Emergency Department has the ability to provide specialized healthcare services for patients experiencing a medical emergency. Services include advanced imaging, testing services through an onsite laboratory and expert medical care from board-certified providers.
According to Jones it is important not to delay healthcare services, especially when you are experiencing a medical emergency. Health officials have reported a rise in preventable deaths and health complications because people have chosen to delay care when experiencing a serious health issue. Many life-threatening events such as heart attacks, strokes or serious injuries have gone untreated, leading to dire consequences.
Major head trauma, heart complications, stroke and serious symptoms of COVID-19 such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or inability to be woken up require immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, call 911.
Other health conditions may not warrant a trip to the emergency department. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, many people who make a trip to the emergency room do not require emergency services. It is estimated that such unwarranted trips cost up to three times as much as care in a physician’s office or an urgent care clinic.
As a general rule, if your condition is mild, you are experiencing controlled pain, and you can wait to see a primary-care physician, a trip to the hospital may not be required. When in doubt, dial 911.
LNAME said that you can take comfort knowing that the care you need is right around the corner.
“We are fortunate to have a robust medical team available in our community,” Jones said. “Offering emergency medical services means that we can save lives when time is of the essence. Don’t delay the care you need.”
To learn more about emergency medical services or other healthcare resources available in the community, please call Heart of Texas Healthcare System at 325-597-2901 or visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911.
About Heart of Texas Healthcare System
Heart of Texas Healthcare System provides healthcare for residents of McCulloch County and the surrounding area. Founded in 2011, the system offers a wealth of medical services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced radiology services, a clinical laboratory, dialysis services, physical therapy, surgical services, patient education, sleep studies, and more. The system also owns and operates Brady Medical Clinic, which provides family medicine, preventive care, and acute care for minor emergencies. For additional information, please visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.