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