Quickly Seek Care in a Medical Emergency -- Hospital Emphasizes Patient Safety and Importance of Timely Care

5/8/2020

NATCHEZ, Miss. –May 8, 2020 —Merit Health Natchez is urging the local community to seek emergency care when needed – without delay. If you experience a medical emergency such as chest pain that may be a heart attack or stroke symptoms, getting care timely will support the best possible outcome. As the hospital responds to COVID-19 it is taking extra precautions, going above and beyond all normal efforts, to keep the hospital clean and safe for patients and caregivers.

The latest campaign by the American Heart Association (AHA) – Be Certain In Uncertain Times – reinforces the critical need to secure treatment as soon as possible. The AHA is working to remind everyone that heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrests don’t stop for COVID-19.

“It is important to reschedule healthcare procedures that have been delayed so health conditions do not deteriorate,” said Dr. Geoffrey Flattmann, General Surgeon and Merit Health Natchez Chief of Staff. I also want to remind you it is safe to come to the hospital. If you are sick, whether it is possibly related to this virus or it’s totally different, do not hesitate to come to the hospital. Our medical staff and hospital employees are totally prepared to take care of you safely. It is vitally important to seek emergency medical care when needed.”

Heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest symptoms are always urgent so call 911 without hesitation. Emergency workers know what to do to protect and care for you. Emergencies don’t stop for COVID-19.

“We continue to be laser focused on the health and safety of our patients and employees,” said Lance Boyd, CEO of Merit Health Natchez. You can count on us to maintain a safe environment for patients who need medical care. We are taking extraordinary measures—going above and beyond all of our normal efforts to keep our hospital clean and safe. If you need healthcare, we want you to feel confident and to know you are protected.”

Among the many precautions in place, everyone who enters the building, including staff, is screened, and all employees, physicians and patients are expected to wear masks. We have designated Non-COVID-19 Care Zones and our COVID-19 Care Zones are clearly marked, as well as a special entrance for those who may be suspected of COVID-19. Cleaning and disinfection are emphasized in caregiving areas and throughout the facility, including high-touch items like door handles, elevator buttons, tables and chairs.

Getting fast medical treatment could be the difference between life and death – so Merit Health Natchez asks everyone to pay attention to the signs of a health emergency and act quickly. Call 911, come to the hospital, and get the help you need.

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Heart Attack

• 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. for 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; 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.

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