Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center 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 receive timely care” said Bryan Bateman, CEO. “We don’t want patients to fear coming to the
hospital or physician’s offices. In reality, it’s much safer than going to the grocery store.”
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.
Safety remains the hospital’s highest priority and it has taken action to enhance infection prevention, restrict
access to the facility and support social distancing to maintain a safe environment for patients who need medical
care.
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. Care for any individuals with suspected or
confirmed COVID-19 is delivered in a restricted, separate area away from other patients. 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 Poplar Bluff Regional 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.
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.
• Signs for women
• 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?
• 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.