Remember to call 9-1-1 in an emergency

Residents should remember to seek immediate health care or call 9-1-1 if experiencing a medical emergency, County officials said today, emphasizing it’s safe to visit a hospital when in need.

“I want to assure Orange County residents that our hospitals are fully operational and that it is safe to seek emergency medical care for themselves and their loved ones,” said County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick.

While it’s reported that more than 80% of people who contract COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover, the same can’t be said for folks suffering from heart attack, stroke and other life-threatening medical emergencies.

The reminder comes as doctors have seen instances of patients delaying needed care for life-threatening issues for fear of COVID-19 contamination in crowded emergency rooms.

“The current reality is that, despite dire warnings, our emergency rooms are exceptionally orderly and possibly the safest places one can venture, particularly when emergency care is required,” said Dr. Michael Brant-Zawadzki from Hoag.

Seek immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room if you or a household member experiences any of the following:

•    Wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
•    Chest pain
•    Displaced or open wound fractures
•    Fainting 
•    Sudden numbness or weakness
•    Bleeding that cannot be stopped
•    Abdominal pain - especially intense localized pain
•    Fever with convulsions or any fever in children under 3 months
•    Confusion or changes in mental status
•    Coughing or vomiting blood
•    Severe headache or head injury, especially if the individual is on aspirin or blood thinners
•    Blood in the urine, or bloody diarrhea
•    Sudden inability to speak, see, walk or move

For questions related to COVID-19, contact 1-833-426-6411 or visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.