Whitewater Fire Dept: "Experiencing Flu Like Symptoms Doesn't Mean You Need to Call 911 or Go to the ER."

Whitewater Fire Dept: “Experiencing Flu Like Symptoms Doesn’t Mean You Need to Call 911 or Go to the ER.”

Posted on: March 23, 2020

Scott Brautigam, Assistant Chief of the EMS Division of the Whitewater Fire Department, told the Banner, “The emergency room is not the place to be tested and a test order (if appropriate) would need to come from your primary doctor. Just because you are experiencing flu like symptoms it does not mean you need to call 911 or go to the ER….Please don’t call 911 if you just have questions about COVID-19. Prevent overloading 911 with non-emergency calls by dialing 211 with questions or immediate needs related to the coronavirus. You may also text “COVID19” to “211-211,” or visit the website for statewide resources that will be continuously updated.

Our Rescue Squad is composed of well trained individuals who are ready to serve you, 24/7, in a true medical emergency. The flyer shown below from the Whitewater Fire Department gives insights into the types of situations where it IS appropriate to call 911. At the bottom of the post is a list of contacts at the various health systems that can assist with non-emergency situations in this challenging time.

When to seek Emergency Medical Care (any one of the following, may seek care for other reasons also)

Moderate to severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest (not just with coughing)
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

Below are various health systems hotlines, links to virtual visits and general information on COVID-19. If you don’t have symptoms above but are concerned, call/contact one of the below before seeking care in person. If you meet criteria, frequently virtual care physicians can order COVID 19 testing at drive thru sites.

Advocate Aurora

Advocate Aurora COVID-19 Hotline 1-866-443-2584

Information & virtual visits https://www.advocateaurorahealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019

Ascension

Ascension National COVID-19 Hotline 1-833-981-0711.

Virtual care for a $20 fee at https://healthcare.ascension.org/Specialty-Care/Online-Care.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW)

Virtual CHW urgent care visits https://childrensfromhome.com/landing.htm

General information https://chw.org/patients-and-families/coronavirus

Fort HealthCare

General information and link to virtual visits https://www.forthealthcare.com/

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