Porter Regional Hospital is urging residents of Northwest Indiana to seek emergency care when needed – without delay. If you experience a medical emergency such as stroke symptoms or chest pain that may be a heart attack, a timely response will support the best possible outcome.
Even with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region, Porter Regional Hospital has implemented precautions to protect patients and staff, including screening all patients for symptoms and risk factors, and placing any individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in a separate area. Cleaning and disinfection are emphasized in caregiving areas and throughout the facility.
Porter Regional Hospital is supporting the latest campaign by the American Heart Association (AHA): BE CERTAIN IN UNCERTAIN TIMES. The AHA is working to remind all of us that heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrests don’t stop for COVID-19.
Michael Woods, M.D. an Emergency Medicine physician and President of the Porter Regional Hospital Medical Staff explained “I am pleased to see the American Heart Association’s efforts to remind individuals that seeking emergency care is critically important and also safe. Individuals need to be aware that most hospitals, including Porter Regional Hospital, have taken extreme precautions to maintain a safe environment and prevent infection.” Some examples of this include: staff wearing personal protective equipment, limiting access to our facilities, and screening patients, visitors, and staff upon entry.
Heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest symptoms are always urgent. Don’t hesitate to call 911.
Emergency workers know what to do to protect and care for you.
HEART ATTACK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Chest discomfort
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
- Shortness of breath
- Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
- Women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain. Some women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
REMEMBER TO ACT F.A.S.T. DURING STROKE
- Face drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
- Arm weakness – Is one arm weak or numb?
- Speech difficulty – Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand?
- Time to call 911 – If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.
CARDIAC ARREST
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. Within seconds, a person becomes unresponsive, is not breathing or is only gasping. Survival depends on getting immediate CPR.
If you experience what could be a medical emergency, don't hesitate to call 911.
