What's going around? An emergency room report.

Each week we ask our ER team what they are seeing a lot of in the Emergency Room.

This week Dr. Glenn DeLong, an emergency physician at McLaren Macomb, reports:

*Upper Respiratory Infections - During the past week, emergency physicians have seen an increase in children and adults with upper respiratory infections with symptoms of sore throat, cough and sneezing. Dr. DeLong recommends  common-sense measures to help prevent the spread of germs, including frequent hand washing with soap and water, and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.  

*Gastroenteritis - Emergency physicians have seen an increase in children and adults with gastroenteritis with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.

*Sports-related injuries - In the past week, emergency physicians have also treated more sports-related injuries in high school football players. Most were head and orthopedic injuries. 

*Asthma and allergies - With the change of seasons, ER physicians have had an increase in patients coming in for allergies and asthma complications.

McLaren Macomb employees attend emergency preparedness training

Emergency Preparedness Training

As part of McLaren Macomb’s commitment to emergency preparedness, five hospital employees recently completed a week-long training offered by the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama.

McLaren Macomb employees Charles Peck, security supervisor, and Jennifer Dixon, RN, injury prevention coordinator, completed health care leadership training. Michael Marsiglio, RN; Michael Wadman, EMT-P I/C, emergency services liaison; and Hristijan Kontrin, security officer, completed hospital emergency response training.

“I am very fortunate to have been a part of this state-of-the-art training,” said Dixon. “The knowledge and experience I have obtained cannot be duplicated anywhere else."

Health care personnel from more than 25 Michigan hospitals, long-term care facilities, EMS agencies and fire departments attended the training.

Avoiding the enterovirus virus

Kids are back in school and so are the “bugs” that can cause colds and other illnesses.

With reports of a rare respiratory virus suspected in nearby states, it’s a good idea to remind your children about some important steps they can take to stay healthy.

Doctors say hand washing is one of the best ways to fight the spread of viruses, including the one that has left hundreds of children hospitalized in 10 states recently. A rare form of enterovirus has been confirmed in some of the cases in Missouri, and suspected in others, including some cases in Ohio.

The virus has no vaccine and it can cause serious illness in children with asthma or weakened immune systems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge parents to start good habits now to avoid colds and flu later on.

Practice these steps to protect yourself and your children:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers
• Avoid close contact, such as touching and shaking hands, with people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including toys, backpacks and lunchboxes
• Avoid sharing food, cups or utensils
• Keep your children at home when they are sick if possible

Survive, don’t drive

Think it might be a heart attack?

If you think you’re having heart attack symptoms, don’t reach for the keys, reach for the phone instead. “We want people to call 9-1-1 and get emergency treatment immediately,” said Loraine Cusumano, director of Cardiovascular Services at McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens.

“The EMS experts will come to you with the most advanced equipment to start treatment immediately if you are having a heart attack.”

EMS units in Macomb County are equipped with technology to perform electrocardiography (ECG) testing in the ambulance units, she said. These readings are transmitted directly to the hospital’s emergency department and the Mat Gaberty Heart Center.

Fireworks are a common way to celebrate during the holiday season. The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following tips for staying safe:

• Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
• Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.
• Observe local laws and use good COMMON SENSE.
• Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
•  A responsible ADULT should supervise all firework activities.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; AWAY from buildings and vehicles.
• NEVER carry fireworks in your POCKET.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

ER vs Urgent Care: Which is right for you?

 It’s 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, your doctor’s office is closed, and you need medical care. Where do you go – an emergency department or an urgent care center? The answer is: It depend

The first step should be to contact your primary care physician, who may advise you to come to the office, go to an urgent care center or visit the emergency department, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. If your physician’s office is not open, an urgent care center or emergency department can provide the care you need. Less serious symptoms can usually be treated effectively at an urgent care center. For more serious symptoms, or sudden severe injuries or illnesses, a hospital emergency department will likely be the best option, providing the necessary level of care.