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Know Where to Go for an Emergency

Porter Health System has two of the largest emergency departments in the region, offering comprehensive emergency services 24/7 to more than 55,000 patients each year. Both Emergency Departments are available by walk-in, ground ambulance and air ambulance.

 Valparaiso Hospital Campus, 814 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso
 Portage Hospital Campus, 3630 Willowcreek Rd., Portage

Emergency Department Staff

 Physicians-18 board certified or board eligible emergency medicine specialists
 Emergency Department Nurses
 BLS-CPR required
 Advanced Cardiac Life Support required
 Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC) Certification (within 1 year)
 Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Certification (within 1 year)
 Annual competencies on all ages, assessments, evaluations and critical care
 Techs & Support Staff: Provide clinical support, communications, patient transportation, administrative services and patient management services.
 Case Managers and Pastoral Care: These professionals offer counseling as needed to patients and family members impacted by traumatic injury, sexual abuse, domestic violence, life-threatening illness, loss of a loved one, or other crises.

Specialist Consultation

A wide range of specialists from Porter Health System's Medical Staff are available for consultations, procedures and in-house care of admitted patients:

 Cardiovascular
 Gynecology

 Hospitalists
 Radiology
 Neurology

 Neurosurgery
 Obstetrics
 Orthopedics
 Plastic Surgery
 Pediatrics
 Surgical Medical Intensivists

Other ED Staff Training and Education Programs

 Hazardous Material training
 
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Certification
 
Domestic Violence Education
 
Community Disaster Preparedness

Both hospitals also have a "Fast Track," an extension of the Emergency Department where minor illnesses and injuries are treated. Basic lab tests and X-rays may be ordered from this area.

Chest Pain

Few symptoms are as concerning as chest pain. For most people, the first thought that comes to mind is that you might be having a heart attack. Fortunately, chest pain doesn't necessarily indicate a heart attack. In fact, it may be something as simple as heartburn. But because chest pain can be a symptom of a serious cardiac condition - including a life-threatening heart attack - the most important thing to do is seek immediate emergency care.

What Causes Chest Pain?

Chest pain is a common symptom that can be caused by many different medical conditions. The staff at Porter's Emergency Departments will evaluate your pain and identify its cause. Chest pain can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, including:

 Angina
 Heart attack
 Heartburn
 Collapsed lung
 Anxiety or panic disorder

 Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia or pleuritis
 Injury to the chest wall or lung
 Blood clot that has traveled to the lung
 Pulled muscle
 Shingles
 Hiatal hernia
 Peptic ulcer

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If the flow of blood isn't restored quickly, that section of heart muscle becomes damaged from lack of oxygen and begins to die.

Symptoms of heart attack vary considerably, even in patients who have experienced a previous heart attack. Heart attack can occur suddenly and cause severe, intense symptoms; however, most begin slowly and cause mild discomfort that may come and go. Know these warning signs:

 Mild pain, pressure or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than 15 minutes

 Pain, discomfort or pressure that may remain constant or may go away during rest and then return during activity

 Pain, discomfort or pressure that spreads to your shoulders, neck or down your arms

 Pain, discomfort or pressure accompanied by nausea, sweating or shortness of breath

Symptoms vary with each individual. Some people describe nothing more than a "funny feeling." Others experience pressure, burning, heaviness, squeezing, cramping or tightness in the chest.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

A heart attack is a medical emergency and prompt treatment increases your chances of survival. There are excellent treatments available that can save your life and prevent disability; however, treatment is most effective when it is initiated within an hour of the beginning of your symptoms. If you or someone you know is or may be having a heart attack, dial 9-1-1 for immediate emergency assistance.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or there is bleeding in the brain. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. If your brain cells don't have a supply of blood, they won't get enough food and oxygen. If they go without food and oxygen for too long, brain cells can die. That's why some doctors call a stroke a brain attack.

It is urgent to seek emergency care at the first sign of stroke. If you or someone you know experiences the signs and symptoms of stroke, call 911 immediately. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the damage and potential disability. Early treatment saves many lives and reduces the effects of stroke. Porter is certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center.

What Causes a Stroke?

Many strokes are preventable. Knowing these risk factors and living healthy are the best steps you can take to prevent stroke.

 Family history
 Age
 Sex
 Race
 High blood pressure
 High cholesterol
 Smoking
 Obesity

Warning Signs of a Stroke

Every minute matters. Stroke signs and symptoms usually occur suddenly. Know the warning signs, and teach them to others.

 Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis of your face, arm or leg - usually on one side of your body
 Sudden difficulty speaking or understanading speech
 Sudden blurred, double or decreased vision
 Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination
 Sudden, severe or unusual headache, which may or may not be accompanied by a stiff neck, facial pain, pain between your eyes, vomiting, or altered consciousness
 Confusion, or problems with memory
 Difficulty swallowing

 
  Porter Health System
814 LaPorte Avenue
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
(219) 263-4600
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