EMERGENCY
Comanche County County Medical Center (CCMC) operates a professionally-staffed 24 hour emergency department in the hospital building. Physicians and nurses, trained in life-saving methods for trauma care, address a range of acute emergency care needs. The department features state-of-the-art emergency medical equipment.
Patients presenting in the ER are triaged to assess the severity of their injury or illness, priorities of care, and whether transfer is needed. CCMC staff closely coordinate emergency care with paramedics from regional ambulance services including the Comanche County Consolidated Hospital District (CCCHD) Emergency Management Services (EMS).
The Hospital maintains a helipad adjacent to the ER at CCMC for critical patients requiring air transport by air ambulance, and when needed, coordinates transport with fixed-wing air ambulances which land at Comanche County Airport.
Reasons to visit the ER
Chest Pain & Shortness of Breath
Chest pain and heart attack symptoms are the number one cause of ER trips in the United States. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as persistent chest pain or pressure, especially if the pain is accompanied by similar sensations in your neck, jaw, and arms. Nausea, sweating, and fatigue may also accompany these symptoms. This is an occasion where it is better to be safe than sorry, so we encourage you to visit our Emergency Department if the situation arises.
Symptoms of Stroke
Stroke symptoms can present quickly, and timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing permanent damage. Symptoms such as sudden numbness (especially to one side of the body), confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, trouble seeing, walking, or a sudden severe headache can be indicative of a stroke.
Remember F.A.S.T.
Face – ask the person to try to smile, is there smile drooping on one side?
Arms – ask them to raise both arms. Does either arm drift down as they do?
Speech – is the person exhibiting slurred speech? Having trouble repeating simple phrases or understanding you?
Time – Time is of the essence. If you believe a person may be suffering from stroke symptoms call 911 and get them to a hospital as soon as you possibly can.
Trauma
Trauma comes in many shapes and sizes. Trauma is often the result of motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and falls. If you have doubts about the severity of the trauma, or with any trauma involving a persons head—it may be better to visit an ER to ensure no additional injuries or conditions are sustained.
Difficulty Breathing
Without oxygen our bodies quickly begin to falter and fail. If you have persistent difficulty in breathing you may need emergency medical treatment. Difficulty breathing can be a sign of underlying health problems and should be addressed as quickly as possible. Although we recommend contacting our clinic and making an appointment when possible, if you begin to panic or have doubts about your ability to breath we are here 24/7 to help get your health back on track.
Persistent, Intense Abdominal Pain
Most of us have experienced different levels of abdominal pain in our lives. If you are experiencing unrelenting abdominal paint for sustained amounts of time it may be more than a common stomach bug or gastrointestinal issue. Appendicitis, hernias, and gallbladder infections all cause serious stomach pains and need to be addressed quickly. If you find yourself in such a situation our staff stands ready to help address your issue and get your life back on track.
Infections
Infections are a broad category in medicine, and can become serious if not fatal when left untreated. Under the header of infection are things like UTI’s, the flu, and secondary infections from wounds or surgeries. If you have doubts about a current infection and are unable to access primary care, our emergency department stands ready to help diagnose and treat your issue.
Lacerations
Cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations are one of the leading causes of ER visits in the United States. If you’ve suffered a cut that a common bandaid can’t handle, we’re here to help clean and dress your wound. Some wounds will require stitches, while others can be closed with adhesives and wraps. We can also provide tetanus shots when necessary.
Many trips to the ER can be prevented with proactive or preventative healthcare. Call the hospital at 254-879-4900 for assistance with any heath issues or concerns.
ALL SERVICES
Primary Care Clinics