The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System and StoneSprings Hospital are working together to ensure our residents and visitors are not delaying critical emergency care because of COVID-19 fears. If you have a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 right away. Loudoun’s first responders and local hospitals are prepared and specifically trained to safely treat patients during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Loudoun residents are doing a good job of staying at home and slowing the spread of COVID-19. However, recent trends show that people suffering symptoms of serious medical conditions are not calling 9-1-1 or visiting emergency rooms out of fear that they may be exposed to COVID-19.

“Calling 9-1-1 at the first sign of a serious medical condition such as a heart attack or stroke could save your life, or a loved one’s,” said Fire Chief Keith Johnson. “From dispatchers to first responders, the emergency response system is prepared to help you safely and quickly, even during a pandemic. First responders deliver life-saving treatment on the scene and in the ambulance and provide critical information to prepare the hospital for your arrival.”

Local emergency rooms have crafted specific policies and procedures to protect patients and staff. “While the global spread of COVID-19 has made a tremendous impact on how we conduct patient care, what will never change is our commitment to the safety of every patient,” says Laura Cook, M.D., FACEP, Medical Director, Emergency Department. “If anyone is experiencing emergency symptoms of any kind it is both safe and necessary to seek medical attention.  “At StoneSprings Hospital, we are taking the specific measures outlined below to ensure our ER is safe for patients to receive care,” she said.

• Isolating COVID-19 patients, as well as suspected COVID-19 cases, to a designated section of the hospital
• Rigorous sterilization and cleaning process between patient visits
• Access restrictions and strict visitation policy
• Comprehensive screening and temperature checks for staff and patients
• Universal masking requirements for staff, patients, and visitors

Always call 9-1-1 if you experience trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, serious bleeding, or signs of a stroke or heart attack. For these life-threatening conditions, faster treatment means better outcomes so do not delay care when you need it. For more information view this video from Dr. Cook and Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services Micah Kiger, Don’t Delay, 9-1-1 and the ER are Safe Every Day.