La Porte Hospital is urging La Porte County and area residents 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 confirmed COVID-19 cases in La Porte County, La Porte 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.
La Porte 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.
James Leonard, D.O., FACEP and Chief Medical Officer for La Porte Hospital explained “The American Heart Association’s campaign reminding individuals to seek emergency care is critically important right now. Individuals need to be aware that hospitals, including La Porte Hospital, have taken precautions to maintain a safe environment and prevent infection.” Examples of these include: staff wearing personal protective equipment, limiting access to the facility, and screening patients, visitors, and all 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 patients during this time.
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.
La Porte Hospital provides full service hospital and outpatient care to residents of La Porte County and surrounding areas. The mission of La Porte Hospital and La Porte Physician Network is to improve the health of our patients and communities.
