A new ER experience for a new COVID reality
When emergencies happen, Dameron Hospital is here for you – even during a pandemic. We know that many of our friends and neighbors are feeling hesitant about coming to the emergency room during these times. Some believe it’s safer to stay at home than visiting a hospital, but forgoing critical emergency care is dangerous.
That’s why we are urging our community to not delay their care. We are safe, open and ready for you.
You and your family can be assured that you’ll receive care in a safe environment when visiting our emergency room. Our team of expert clinicians has developed and implemented protocols to ensure our hospital is sanitary and safe during this pandemic -- and we’ve done it without sacrificing the compassionate expertise you have come to expect when visiting an Adventist Health emergency room.
Dameron Hospital has re-imagined our emergency room to be even safer in this age of COVID-19 as you and your family receive the care you need. While each of Adventist Health's emergency rooms has initiated unique protocols appropriate to their patients’ needs, we have all have adopted these important practices specific to COVID-19:
- Regular disinfecting of every area: Each waiting room, registration area and patient-care area is sanitized continuously day and night -- especially high-touch surfaces, such as countertops, seating and handrails.
- Social distancing: All our spaces have been re-engineered to ensure patients can maintain at least 6 feet of distance in lobbies or registration areas. And while examinations can’t be performed at a distance, all doctors and nurses are fully trained in safety protocols, wear personal protective equipment, wash their hands regularly and change gloves before seeing each patient.
- Masking: Every individual entering our hospital must wear a mask.
- Limiting visitors: Visitor restrictions are in place to ensure we’re limiting potential exposure of germs.
- Entry screening: Everyone entering our facilities is screened for a fever and any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Designating COVID-19-specific waiting areas and exam rooms: We maintain a dedicated area of our emergency room for patients with respiratory symptoms or those who are suspected of having COVID-19. They are separated from other patients for the safety of our community.
Together, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19. Doing so involves being careful and consistent in the way we care for patients and the way we as a community care for each other by social distancing, masking and avoiding large gatherings. At Adventist Health and Dameron Hospital, we’re proud to be your destination for that safe, compassionate care you deserve.
When should I 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 should I go to urgent care?
Visit an 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 burn
- Ear infections and sinus infections
- Minor cuts and lacerations
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.
Important things to bring with you
We understand that most visits to the Emergency Department aren't planned. However, if possible, being prepared and knowing what to expect can help alleviate some of the stress you may experience. When visiting our Emergency Department, here are some things to make sure you bring with you to help expedite your treatment.
- Your health insurance information card (including Medicare and supplemental plan information)
- Photo identification (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- A list of the medications that you take, or the bottles containing your medicine and vitamins and other pills not prescribed by your doctor
- Any records or recent test results you may have concerning your health
- A list of immunizations (If you are bringing your child to the ER)
- A list of emergency contacts and contact information for your regular medical providers