Medical emergencies require immediate care. Fortunately, a team of professional medical providers are available around the clock through the Heart of Texas Healthcare System Emergency Department. Don’t delay the care you need when time is of the essence.
With Memorial Day weekend upon us and many looking forward to summer vacations, HTHS is urging everyone to take their health and safety seriously and to seek care when the unexpected happens.
“Many people have delayed important healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lonnie L. Vickers, MD, Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians at Brady Medical Clinic, a service of Heart of Texas Healthcare System. “This is never a good idea. If you are experiencing symptoms of a health emergency, don’t delay. Seek immediate medical care at Heart of Texas Healthcare System.”
According to Dr. Vickers, healthcare providers have seen a troubling rise in deaths and health complications because people have chosen to delay care when experiencing a serious health issue, including heart attacks and strokes.
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.
Since 2015, the Emergency Department has been staffed by emergency medical professionals from Victoria Emergency Associates, a provider of emergency medicine based in Texas. Many providers are board certified, which is a credential seldom afforded in rural hospitals.
According to Dr. Vickers, although the emergency room is open around the clock, knowing when a medical condition warrants a visit to the ER can save you and your family time and money.
A heart attack is severe enough to warrant an immediate trip to the emergency room. Symptoms typically last for two or more minutes and include pressure across the body; feelings of tightness, burning, or aching around the breast; general chest pain; and lightheadedness. Similarly, symptoms of a stroke should always be taken seriously.
Major head trauma also warrants immediate medical attention. This condition can result from sports injuries, falls from any height, or severe accidents. Cuts or wounds in which bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure can also become a concern. Prolonged blood loss may require medical intervention and, in extreme circumstances, blood transfusions.
Serious symptoms of COVID-19 such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or inability to be woken up also require immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, call 911.
Like at most emergency departments across the country, patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis. A number of factors determine the order in which patients are seen, including the severity of their conditions. Patients with less serious conditions can often be seen quickly, and can save money by visiting the Brady Medical Clinic.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, most 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.
Dr. Vickers urged everyone to keep their health and safety in mind during their upcoming vacations.
“As the weather and the public health situation improve, many will be eager to enjoy time outdoors,” Dr. Vickers said. “Don’t overdo it. Slow down, stay alert and watch out for your friends and loved ones. You can take comfort knowing that if the unexpected does happen, a compassionate medical team is right around the corner.”
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.