GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. – May 5, 2020 –

Today, Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) reminds Coloradans that hospital emergency departments are safe places in which to receive care. For many life-threatening conditions – like heart attacks, strokes, large wounds or an abdominal emergency – timely treatment can make a difference between life and death and is often critical to ensuring a full recovery. Yet, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colorado, emergency departments throughout the state have reported a decline in the number of people seeking treatment for those conditions.

“We are hearing anecdotal stories of patients waiting to seek care and then being far sicker, requiring more extensive treatment and sometimes not making a full recovery,” said Darlene Tad-y, MD, CHA vice president of clinical affairs. “Colorado’s emergency departments are safe, clean and ready to care for patients. As Governor Polis has said several times, if you would have gone to the emergency department before COVID-19 for a life-threatening condition, you should go now.”

As a reminder – warning signs of a heart attack can include shortness of breath, sweating and chest pain. Warning signs of a stroke can be remembered with the word FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call 9-1-1). Signs of an abdominal emergency can include severe pain, vomiting and fevers. Otherwise, patients who are ill with urgent but not life-threatening conditions are advised to seek care with their primary care physician or at an urgent care facility if one is available.

About Colorado Hospital Association
Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) is the leading voice of Colorado’s hospital and health system community. Representing more than 100 member hospitals and health systems throughout the state, CHA serves as a trusted, credible and reliable resource on health issues, hospital data and trends for its members, media, policymakers and the general public. Through CHA, Colorado’s hospitals and health systems work together in their shared commitment to improve health and health care in Colorado.
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