There is a perception that hospitals might expose an individual to infection or COVID-19 but that is simply not true.
Hospitals have extensive safety measures in place to prevent infectious diseases from spreading. Not seeking care for a medical emergency is much more dangerous than going to a hospital at this time.
At Sky Ridge Medical Center, the health and safety of our patients, caregivers, and communities are always our top priority. We maintain strict precautions and infection prevention measures throughout our facility.
Some of the steps we're taking to keep you and our clinical team safe are:
- All patients, visitors, and clinicians are screened, temperature checked, and masked before entering.
- Sky Ridge has a separate location for COVID-19 positive patients and those who are under investigation.
- Everyone is required to wear a mask in the facility.
- Heightened infection prevention policies, including UV light disinfection and the removal of high-touch items such as magazines, toys, and vending machines.
- Non-COVID-19 patients as well as those receiving outpatient care or patients with scheduled procedures are treated in COVID-free areas.
- Limiting visitors will continue for the duration of the pandemic.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you would normally go to an emergency room for your condition, you should still go during a pandemic. Some sure signs you require emergency attention are:
- Head injury, loss of consciousness, or other major trauma
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of a stroke such as one-sided weakness or numbness
- Signs of a heart attack such as chest pain
- High fever
- Open fracture
- Uncontrollable pain or bleeding
- Breathing problems
Time Matters
If you or a loved one are experiencing emergency symptoms, don't delay care. For time-sensitive conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and appendicitis, every minute matters.
- Stroke: When it comes to stroke, time is brain. Delaying care even minutes can increase brain damage, disability, and even death. During a stroke, several million brain cells die every minute. And for ischemic strokes, the clot-busting drug tPA can only be administered within the first few hours after the start of symptoms.
- Heart attack: The longer a heart attack goes untreated, the more heart muscle can be damaged. Depending on the extent of damage, this can lead to heart failure, arrhythmia, or even death. The quicker a person can recognize symptoms, get to the ER and be taken to the cath lab, the better their chance of survival and minimized damage.
- Appendicitis: If a person has appendicitis for 24-48 hours, the appendix can rupture. This causes the infection to spill into the abdomen and can make a person very sick and can even be life-threatening. That is why it is so important to call your doctor or head to the emergency room if you are suspicious of appendicitis.
Sky Ridge is Here for You
Sky Ridge Medical Center is here for you and your family... close to home. We are well-equipped to handle any health concern you may have.
Sky Ridge Medical Center
10101 RidgeGate Parkway
Lone Tree, CO 80124
(720) 225-1000
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