A little bit of fear can be good for people. It keeps us from doing dangerous things, like sticking our finger in an open flame, because we are afraid to get burned.

Sometimes, however, fear can hurt people. Right now fewer people are seeking care for heart attack and stroke than normal. The reason: people are avoiding emergency rooms for fear of being exposed to COVID-19. Two national surveys show the number of heart attacks and the number of stroke cases being treated in U.S. hospitals have dropped by nearly 40% since the pandemic was declared.

In cases of heart attack and stroke, delaying care is dangerous because minutes matter. Heart muscle and brain cells begin dying as soon as oxygen is cut off and do not regenerate, leading to permanent disability or death.

The best chance of surviving a heart attack or stroke begins by calling 9-1-1 as soon as symptoms begin. In an ambulance, first responders can begin treatment on the way to the hospital and communicate with emergency room staff so they are prepared for the level of care the patient needs immediately upon arrival.

“Patients are at a low risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the Blessing Hospital Emergency Center,” said Scott Hough, MD, medical director. “The Blessing Emergency Center has established alternative care sites as part of its COVID-19 response to separate people with respiratory conditions from those with other illnesses and injuries.”

“Our staff are screened daily before reporting for work.  Our waiting room has seating positioned to allow social distancing.  Patients are masked upon arrival and Blessing Health System staff are required to wear masks.  Additional cleaning steps are also occurring on a regular basis in the Emergency Center and throughout Blessing Health System to further reduce the risk for virus exposure,” he concluded.

The Illini Community Hospital emergency room in Pittsfield follows the same safety practices as does the Blessing Hospital Emergency Center.

Nationally recognized care delivered in Blessing ER

Blessing Hospital and its Emergency Center hold national Chest Pain Center accreditation from the American College of Cardiology and Primary Stroke Center certification DNV GL Healthcare, a world-leading certification body.

Chest Pain Center accreditation recognizes a healthcare provider’s quality and consistency of care. Primary Stroke Center certification recognizes providers who use clinical best practices in providing care to stroke patients including incorporation of the Guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and the Recommendations of the American Stroke Association.

Signs and symptoms

Heart attack:

  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Discomfort in chest, arms, back, neck, shoulder or jaw

Stroke:

  • Numbness, weakness or loss of movement in your face, leg or arm, especially on one side
  • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • Loss of balance

If you know you have heart attack and/or stroke risk factors, including a family history of either condition, call your doctors with any questions you have or if you think you need a health visit. Also, don’t delay routine care. You may be able to get advice by using telehealth for a virtual visit.