TRIAGE
A SYSTEM FOR EMERGENCIES
WHEN YOU GO
to most places where you need
assistance—like the motor vehicle department, for
example—you take a number and wait your turn. You
expect to be helped in the order in which you arrived.
You might think something similar will happen if you
seek medical care at the emergency department. But that’s
not the case. A process known as triage determines who
sees the doctor rst—and how long you’ll likely wait.
ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES
Typically, triage is done by
a nurse. He or she will talk to you about your symptoms
and measure your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure
and temperature to assess the severity of your condition.
O en, the nurse will gather other information too. He
or she might ask about your medical history, allergies you
have and any medicines you take.
e goal of this process is simple: to determine whose
health is most in jeopardy and to make sure those patients
get help immediately. at means a doctor is likely to see
someone with chest pain who could be having a heart
attack before someone with an ankle sprain or minor
cut—even if the heart attack patient was the last to arrive.
EVERYONE MATTERS
e emergency department works
diligently to see everyone who needs care as quickly as
possible. But be aware: True emergencies always have
top priority. If your condition is not life-threatening, you
may have to wait, but every patient will get the attention
he or she deserves.
Source: American College of Emergency Physicians
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CASTROVILLE
DEVINE
462
DUNLAY
BIRY
YANCEY
HONDO
1343
3175
2790
2790
471
471
463
LYTLE
NATALIA
LACOSTE
MedicalClinicofDevine
1250SH173N
SpecialtyClinic
60231stSt.
MedicalClinicofHondo
3200Ave.E
MedinaRegionalHospital
3100Ave.E
MedicalClinicofCastroville
1028CountryLane
W-TX1604LOOPS
SpecialtyClinic
61031stSt.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
medinahospital.net
830-426-7700
Toll-free . . . . . . . . . 800-895-7851
Medical Clinics . . . . 830-426-7444
Specialty Clinic 1. . . .830-426-7855
Specialty Clinic 2 . . 830-426-7816
Whether you need a family doctor or a
specialist, find the right care with our
Provider Directory
at
medinahospital.net/providers.
HOW TO F I ND US
Rehabilitation . . 830-426-7888
Swing Bed. . . . . . .830-426-7821 or
830-426-0897
Billing Inquiries . . .830-426-7890
CL I N I C HOURS
Medical Clinic of Hondo
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday,
beginning at 9 a.m.
Medical Clinic of Devine
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and
2 to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, 2 to 6 p.m.;
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
Medical Clinic of Castroville
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m.
MED I NA HE ALTHCARE SYS T EM
FALL
2014
Stroke survivor William Ashford gets a hug from the Methodist AirCare flight nurse who transported him to
San Antonio after his stroke. Ashford and his wife extend their sincere appreciation to all who cared for him
during his stroke, including the staff at Medina Healthcare System and all of the first responders involved.
New telemedicine technology
saves time when moments count
STROKE TYPICALLY STRIKES
in one of two ways:
Ischemic stroke is the most common type. It occurs
when an artery that feeds the brain becomes blocked,
o en by a blood clot.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in
the brain bursts or leaks. at causes pressure, which
damages brain cells.
No matter what type of stroke a person has, emergency
medical treatment is vital. Prompt action can help prevent
permanent brain damage, long-term disability or death.
e new telemedicine program at Medina Healthcare
System is helping stroke patients get treatment faster
than ever. rough a secure video link, stroke experts
evaluate patients in real time to ensure prompt diagnosis
and treatment. When every second counts, this instant
access helps save time and lives.
STROKE CARE COMES TO MEDINA COUNTY
E
M E R G E N C Y
MEDINA HEALTH NEWS
is published as a
community service for the
friends and patrons of
Medina Regional Hospital,
3100 Ave. E, Hondo, TX
78861. Telephone
830-426-7700.
Steve Hackebeil
President, Board of Directors
Janice Simons
Chief Executive Of cer
Christina Garcia
Marketing/Fund
Development Director
Ashley Lowe
Business Development
Director
Information in MEDINA
HEALTH NEWS comes from
a wide range of medical
experts. If you have any
concerns or questions
about speci c content that
may affect your health,
please contact your
healthcare provider.
Models may be used in
photos and illustrations.
Copyright ©2014 Coffey
Communications HST30771
“Having Mom at Medina Regional’s swing bed
program for rehabilitation was great! Everyone
was so helpful, and it was close enough for family
to visit her when I couldn’t be there.”
—Veronica Valenzuela, of D’Hanis
What is swing bed care?
O
ur Swing Bed Program offers patients
time to heal. Find out how it works at
(under the
“Services” menu) or give us a call at
830-426-0897
.
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M E D I N A
HEALTH NEWS
