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A COVID-19 Holiday

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The holidays are a reminder of how much the health of our friends and family matter to one another, and Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center wants that to continue into the new year. One can begin protecting your loved ones by taking proper precautions against the virus, whether that means social distancing or getting a PCR or COVID-19 Rapid Test before traveling for the holidays. If every individual aims to incorporate the safety guidelines below, we may help decrease the coronavirus cases that are rising throughout the Crossroads.

Celebrate with Your Household
Any family members or roommates who are taking consistent measures against COVID-19 are at low risk for spreading the virus. Keeping the invite list short protects your gathering from individuals who may have been exposed through public transportation, it also allows you to properly social distance during the gathering, and proper safety measures such as wearing masks and handwashing are easier to practice.

Feeling Ill? Just hold still.
Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center reminds you that COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms that may easily be confused with conditions such as allergies, the flu, or just a cold. Although some individuals who were exposed may not experience severe symptoms, or any symptoms, the coronavirus is highly contagious, and it is recommended to not attend any gatherings for 14 days. A COVID-19 case can be easily diagnosed at Victoria ER where our ER Nurses and ER Doctors consult you in your vehicle, perform a nasal swab, and will provide you with results in 15 minutes. Learn more about our COVID-19 services here.

Continue the Basics
Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center asks the Crossroads area to carry on these prevention tips.

  1. Clean Hands: Wash hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
  2. Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  3. Don’t Touch: Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
  4. Avoid: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you do need to be around others, put distance between them and yourself.

Victoria ER is available throughout the holidays, day or night, for every emergency you or a loved one may be going through. Experience concierge care, COVID-19 safety protocols, and no wait time for every visit. Please feel free to contact us regarding any questions 24/7 at (361) 214-3813. Because COVID-19 information is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Woman showing flu symptoms

COVID-19 Collides with Flu Season

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As we are approaching the Fall and Winter months with COVID-19 fully present, it is vital that Victoria, Texas, and the Crossroads area are readily prepared for the upcoming flu season. Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center wants to ensure that we uphold the health of the public by providing Rapid COVID-19 Testing and Rapid Flu Testing, which both yield results in 15 minutes. By letting our patients know their results promptly after testing, we hope that more efficient precautions between individuals will take immediate effect, thus limiting the spread of both illnesses.

The Influenza virus and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses that share many of the same symptoms, so it would be difficult to confirm a diagnosis without the help of a proper test that is easily done by our staff at Victoria ER. One should become familiar with the signs and symptoms of both Flu and COVID-19 to be aware of when you should get tested.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN FLU & COVID-19:
• Fever or Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Fatigue
• Sore Throat
• Congestion or Runny Nose
• Body Aches
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FLU & COVID-19:
• Flu: Flu illness may range from mild to severe symptoms of those listed above.
• COVID-19: An additional symptom of COVID-19 includes a new loss in taste or smell.

As more people respond promptly to the flu, the better chance they have at protecting their loved ones against the virus. Stay ahead of Flu and COVID-19 by getting a rapid test today through our Curbside Service and plan to get your flu shot early this year. Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center is available throughout every emergency you are experiencing, visit us when it is most convenient to you and experience concierge care in a private and sanitized room for every visit.

You can find more information about the COVID-19 Rapid Test, PCR COVID-19 Test, COVID-19 Antibody Testing, and our Curbside Services here.

Please call us at 361-214-3813 with any questions regarding our protocols, or with questions regarding your medical safety. Because information about COVID-19 is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Rapid Testing at Victoria ER - COVID-19 - 24 Hour Emergency Center

COVID-19 Rapid Test Available at Victoria ER

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Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center now has the capability to perform Rapid COVID-19 Testing. As Coronavirus cases continue to rise, we would like to better serve Victoria, Texas, and the surrounding community by introducing the Sophia SARS Antigen FIA technology to test for COVID-19. This new technology reduces the risk of exposure by diagnosing patients within 15 minutes, allowing for the most optimal development for COVID-19 results by receiving close to real time feedback from the collection of nasal cavity swabs.

Every patient who receives COVID-19 Rapid Testing at Victoria ER will know whether they are positive or negative within 15 minutes of the Sophia SARS Antigen FIA technology running their nasal specimen. Quicker results allow those who are tested to take serious precautions immediately after receiving results, which in turn will help our community to stay COVID-19 safe.

Testing Process at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center:

  • No Appointment is needed to be tested for COVID-19. Please visit us when it is convenient for you and your loved ones as we are open 24 hours a day.
  • Upon your arrival to Victoria ER, communicate the reason for your visit to Registration using our contact-free voice system (located to the right of the entrance double doors).
  • You will be required to answer screening questions and complete paperwork from the comfort of your own vehicle.
  • Our staff will evaluate you through our Curbside Screening Service and test you appropriately for COVID-19.
  • The nasal specimen collected will be assessed through our on-site laboratory and you will receive your rapid COVID-19 results with 15 minutes.

Please feel comfort in knowing that in order to keep our Victoria, Texas community safe and our staff safe, all patients who are rapid tested for COVID-19 are directed through our Curbside Service. There is no need to wait in a crowded waiting room as our staff evaluates you in the comfort of your vehicle to ensure there is minimal contact between you and others. Victoria ER is honored to offer Rapid COVID-19 Testing in Victoria, Texas, and the surrounding areas.

You can find more information about the COVID-19 Rapid Test, PCR COVID-19 Test, COVID-19 Antibody Testing, and our Curbside Services here.

Victoria ER is available day or night for every emergency you or a loved one may be going through. Experience the concierge care and no wait time for every visit. Please call us at 361-214-3813 with any questions regarding our protocols, or with questions regarding your medical safety. Because information about COVID-19 is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Doctor giving an exam

When Should You Visit An ER

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When should you go to the ER? At Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center, your emergency is our priority. Learn about the 5 most common emergency symptoms for an ER visit.

Lacerations & Wounds

When uncertain about how serious your injury may be, Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center believes it is best to seek immediate emergency care. Lacerations can require sutures depending on the severity of the wound or could require a tetanus shot if the injury resulted from a human or animal bite.

Back Pain

People are frequently visiting the ER due to back pain. Although some back pain will be relieved with rest, unrelenting pain accompanied with fever, numbness, or weakness would require emergency care for an underlying medical condition.

Headaches & Migraines

Headaches are common reasons to visit an emergency room. Migraines are usually presented with symptoms that are not presented with your average headache, such as fever, weakness, double vision, or confusion. The goal for ER doctors is to ensure that there is no life-threatening issue and to help reduce suffering.

Chest Pain

Although chest pain typically aligns with heart-related issues, there could be a variety of causes. Chest pain is common and can be linked to heart attacks which would require immediate intervention from an ER physician as they can be fatal.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is not normal, and is commonly seen in an ER when the pain is severe and unrelenting. Severe stomach pain accompanied with fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms is an emergency and would require care from a facility like Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center.

 

Without the wait of an over-crowded hospital emergency room, Victoria ER offers no wait times in a comfortable, inviting waiting room designed to deliver the most pleasant patient experience possible. We are prepared to handle your medical emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and no appointment is needed.

sanitized doctor

Know If You Have Been Exposed

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Texas has begun to reopen more services throughout the state, and Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center is available to ensure you have not contracted COVID-19. For every emergency that you are experiencing, Victoria ER is here for you.

Victoria ER continues to protect our community by offering each patient access to our Curbside Screening Service, along with the ability to be tested if you have a current COVID-19 infection. If you are returning back to work or want to make sure you are safe to visit loved ones, the Antibody Detection Test can tell you within ten minutes if you have had a previous COVID-19 infection from the antibodies in your system.

A Curbside Screening Service has been established at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center. We understand the hesitation to visit a doctor during a pandemic, but maintaining your health is our priority. Our Curbside Screening Service allows any patient to seek treatment without leaving the comfort of their own vehicle unless emergency services are necessary. Our staff will make you feel safe and know that each room inside of our facility is sanitized after every patient and our staff always wears the appropriate personal protective equipment.

The COVID-19 Virological Test available at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center are used on patients who report the symptoms that align with the virus such as, cough, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and a new loss of taste or smell. It is best to call our facility before your arrival so our staff may prepare for you to assess you through our Curbside Screening Service.

The Antibody Detection Tests is available to all our patients, which will help them know if they have had a previous COVID-19 infection. As people are returning to work, or are around their loved ones, the Antibody Test will determine within ten minutes if you have antibodies against the virus. Antibodies present in the blood signify that there are proteins throughout your immune system that are critical for fighting and clearing the virus.

Victoria ER is available day or night for every emergency you or a loved one may be going through. Experience the concierge care and no wait time for every visit. Please feel free to contact us regarding any questions at 361-214-3813.

Doctor with patient

COVID-19

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As our community continues to navigate through the changes of COVID-19 and its impact on our daily lives, Victoria ER is honored to protect the health and improve the quality of life of the citizens in our area.

Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center wants to reassure the Crossroads that we are taking precautionary measures towards every patient that comes through our facility as we continue to hold our patients and staff’s health to the highest degree. Please review the following information:

COVID-19 Testing Availability

Victoria ER has the resources to send patient samples off for laboratory testing to confirm COVID-19 cases. The pandemic status for coronavirus has allowed for limited testing throughout local facilities, but patients will be screened by Victoria ER physicians, and will be tested appropriately.

The following measures will be instituted at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center:

  • If patients are exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you call ahead at 361-573-1500 to prepare our staff for your arrival.
  • Victoria ER will ask you a few screening questions as you enter our facility. If our staff determines that you have symptoms, we will provide you with the proper personal protective equipment.
  • Patients are limited to one companion during this time, but no visitors will be allowed if the patient is under evaluation for COVID-19.

Victoria ER would like to remind our community to please call us at 361-573-1500 with any questions regarding our protocols, or with questions regarding your medical safety.

How to Protect Yourself

Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center asks the Crossroads area to implement these prevention tips.

  1. Clean Hands: Wash hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
  2. Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  3. Don’t Touch:  Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
  4. Avoid: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you do need to be around others, put distance between yourself and others.

Because information is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Go Red Logo

Go Red & Make A Change

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About 80 percent of cardiac episodes can be prevented, yet cardiovascular disease remains to be one of the most alarming health risks among women. Many women may already know the facts regarding their heart health, but Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center wants to encourage all women to take action.

Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center donated a Kendra Scott Phara Necklace in Red to help raise money for the American Heart (far right)

Encourage someone in your life to take the pledge with you, and begin making daily heart healthy changes that will act as a starting point to decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center was proud to be a supporter of the third annual Victoria Go Red for Women event by donating an auction item and attending the event to help raise awareness and encourage women to take action.

All proceeds from the auction items will go towards the American Heart Association, and Victoria ER is humbled to help their cause. The men and women effected by cardiovascular disease participated in the fashion show and told their stories that emotionally moved those who attended. Each survivors’ speech shared one major thing in common, how to commit to a healthier heart journey in their daily lives by simply:

  1. Moving more.

    150 minutes of moderate exercise a day is recommended by the American Heart Association.

  2. Eating smart.

    Adding colorful fruits & vegetables to your diet will help prevent chronic illnesses.

  3. Managing blood pressure.

    High blood pressure is known as the ‘silent killer.’ The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk for future health issues.

Incorporating these small changes daily will help prolong your heart health and would additionally aid in the prevention of other health diseases. To learn more about how you and your loved ones can take a pledge and better your health, visit https://www.heart.org/en.

24 Hour Emergency Care Victoria

Victoria ER’s 2019 Health Fair

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October marks the start of flu season, and Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center readily prepared our community to say ‘boo to the flu!’ On October 22nd, 2019 Victoria ER hosted their 4th annual flu shot drive where we invited the Crossroads area to receive a flu shot, free of charge! Our Health Fair also consisted of bringing awareness towards breast cancer and we encouraged people to donate blood to help save a life. Victoria ER was humbled by the reactions and support that we received from those who attended the 2019 Health Fair.

This community event began at 11am, where dozens of people have already begun to line up to receive their complimentary flu shot. We are grateful to provide the resources for the Crossroads area, and the staff at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center were honored to help men, women, and children tackle this flu season. To find out more information about this year’s flu season and how important a flu vaccine is for your family, check out the Center for Disease Control’s page on Influenza here!

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Victoria ER invited the Crossroads Guardians of Hope to bring the pink firetruck, ‘Debbie’ and the pink ambulance, ‘Kaitlin’ to commemorate those who battle cancer. The attendees were able to sign the vehicles in honor of their loved ones who put up a fight against cancer and wrote inspiring messages for them. Every guest who attended the 2019 Health Fair were offered refreshments, snacks, tours of our facility, and had the opportunity to win one of six giveaways!

Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center was astounded by the number of people who donated blood to the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center to help save a life! Attendees were eager to help others and we were ecstatic to know that several of the donors had O Negative blood, which is vital to saving the lives of infants throughout Texas. Victoria ER would like to thank all who participated in our 2019 Health Fair, we are so overwhelmed by the support we received from our community and we can’t wait for next years event!

24 Hour Emergency Care Victoria

A Hope to Dream Better Sleep, Better Future

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Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center is honored to help kids across Victoria, Texas to get a good night’s sleep as July 31st, 2019 marks the sixth year for Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s A Hope to Dream Event. Victoria ER recognizes that a restful sleep will not only help local children regulate their immune system, but will also help them improve their brain function for a successful school year.

Before the academic year begins, Ashley Furniture Homestore and over 20 local businesses and volunteers came together on July 22nd in order to support local children with the collection of 50 brand new bed sets, mattresses, bed frames, pillows, and brand new backpacks filled with necessities for the new school year. Victoria ER is proud to provide each child with a 70 piece Johnson & Johnson First-Aid Kit in order to prepare them with the supplies required for any minor first-aid emergency. After 4 years of participation in A Hope to Dream event, Victoria Emergency Room remains appreciative to the contributions made from various local businesses to give back to the 50 children who will benefit from the donations.

 

 

Victoria ER was gladly represented by their Marketing Director, Sheila Kilgore (far right), and Community Outreach Specialist, Marcela Moncada (far left).

Victoria ER gladly attended the event to show support for our local children and watched their smiles beam across their faces as they received their new items for the 2019-2020 academic year. Sheila Kilgore, the Marketing Director of Victoria ER stated, “The 2019 A Hope to Dream on July 31st is a humbling community event that Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center is delighted to be a part of.” A Hope to Dream is a memorable event filled with generosity, and Victoria ER looks forward to give back to 50 more children in next year’s event.

24 Hour Emergency Room

Stay Sun Safe: Summer Safety Tips

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Summer has arrived! It is time for beach trips, pool days, and family adventures, but it is necessary to remain prepared for all the things the summer heat will bring. With every outing with friends or family trips to waterparks, comes the risk of summer vacation injuries and illnesses.

Take precautions for your family and loved ones! Emergencies are frequent in the summer months.

Here are five common summer-related accidents and heat related illnesses that can be treated at Victoria ER.

1. Outdoor Injuries

Time spent outdoors around water, in the woods, and playing sports can lead to concussions, fractures, cuts, and lacerations.

2. Burns

Sunburn is caused by not wearing or not reapplying sunscreen. A blistering sunburn can indicate a second to early third-degree sunburn and may require treatment at an emergency center. Remember to apply a sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply every 80 minutes.

3. Dehydration

Heatstroke and dehydration are two of the most common conditions in the summertime. Patients exhibiting concerning symptoms should be treated at an emergency room (ER), Like Victoria ER.

4. Heat Exhaustion

High temperatures outdoors combined with any physical activity may lead to heat exhaustion. Any signs of excessive sweating, cool and clammy skin, and a weak pulse may need to retreat to an area with cool temperatures before it may escalate into a heatstroke.

5. Heatstroke

If you do not take precautions in the heat, it can lead to a fatal heat illness; a heatstroke. Patients who are not sweating, have a strong, rapid pulse, and have a body temperature over 103, need to visit an emergency room, like Victoria ER to be treated immediately.

Visit Victoria ER to receive your FREE 70 pc. Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit! This is the perfect first aid kit to have in your car or luggage for a variety of first-aid emergencies.

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