Unsure about visiting a local emergency room during the pandemic? Don't be, because they are safe, say Adventist Health officials

For starters. Is it safe?

Will a prospective emergency room visitor feel secure that he or she – experiencing possible chest pains – or perhaps is the victim of an unfortunate accident – feel safe visiting the local hospital’s emergency room as the pandemic assaults the American way of life?

The answer is yes, visiting an emergency room is safe, according to health professionals at Hanford’s Adventist Health, which operates the only major hospital in Kings County. Their emergency rooms – whether at Hanford’s Adventist Medical Health Medical Center, or any other medical clinic or facilities they operate in California – are “safe, operational and prepared to handle health emergencies – and coronavirus cases.”

Emergency room or urgent care. Is it safe?

The Adventist Health clinics and hospitals are safe, according to health officials. They are operational and prepared to handle health emergencies as well as coronavirus cases. Adventist Health isolates suspected COVID-19 patients to keep our other patients and healthcare professionals safe.

Adventist officials say they are confident they can effectively care for an infected patient with little risk to our other patients, and Adventist Health closely follows CDC protocols and works with local public health departments to ensure hospitals and clinics are safe and ready when emergencies happen.

Emergencies happen – don’t delay your care!

During this time of uncertainty, many prospective patients are apprehensive about visiting a hospital and don’t want to overwhelm healthcare resources. Don’t delay care when something urgent comes up—Adventists and local medical professionals have the resources they need and are prepared and available to care for you and your family.

Although these are frightening times, fear should never create a barrier to receiving emergency medical services. If you or a loved one is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 and ask to be taken to your nearest hospital.

When to go to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room for problems that can’t wait, such as:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding or trauma
• Loss of consciousness
• Loss of or blurred vision
• High, uncontrolled fever
• Head injuries
• Burns
• Severe abdominal pain
• Broken bones

When to visit emergency care?

Visit urgent care for urgent problems that aren’t life-threatening but still need attention, such as:

• Coughs, colds, and sore throat
• Sprains and strains
• Rashes or skin irritations like sunburn
• Minor burns
• Ear infections and sinus infections
• Minor cuts and lacerations
• Specialties offering virtual visits vary by location. Check with your doctor to find out if virtual visits are available.

Some specialties currently offered via virtual visits include behavioral health, cardiology, primary care, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and more. Visit AdventistHealth.org/VirtualVisits for a complete list.

Still not sure?

If you are not sure which location is best suited for your condition and you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are home and experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and have been in contact with someone who likely has an active coronavirus infection, we encourage you to call your primary care physician or clinic before arriving.

If clinically necessary, your primary care physician or clinic will give you instructions on how to get tested to limit the risk of exposure to other people.