Erie County officials are urging residents to reserve hospital emergency department visits (ED) and ambulance transport for true medical emergencies. Local hospitals and ambulance services continue to experience significant strain due to an increase in patients with severe respiratory symptoms and delays in patient transfers to follow-up care facilities.

During a call this week with Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) staff, emergency medical service agencies and hospital system representatives reported ongoing challenges in EDs across the region. Volunteer and professional ambulance crews face extended turnaround times - up to two to three hours - to transfer patients to hospital care. ED volumes have been consistently high for several weeks. Patients experience longer-than-usual wait times to be triaged and seen. Delays in discharges to follow-up care facilities place additional strain on patient care. The end result: additional stress on the entire healthcare system.

The recent reported influenza case increase has led to more patients with more severe illnesses, requiring higher levels of care and longer hospital stays. When patients who have relatively minor symptoms call for an ambulance or visit an ED, they use limited hospital resources that could be used to treat patients with severe, life-threatening conditions.

A primary care provider or urgent care clinic can manage most common illnesses, such as influenza, common colds, sore throats, earaches, minor headaches, low-grade fevers and limited rashes, along with minor injuries like sprains, bruises, minor burns and cuts, broken bones that do not limit movement, and minor eye injuries.

"Most people with influenza, a stomach bug (norovirus) or the common cold have self-limiting symptoms, which means that after a few days or a week of feeling miserable, and plenty of rest and fluids, symptoms end," said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. "There is a fine balance here: we do not want people to second guess calling 911 or going to the hospital. However, going to the ED with a minor cough or runny nose is a slower, less efficient and more expensive way to manage those symptoms. For non-urgent health concerns, ED waiting times are very long right now and you might catch another illness in the waiting room."

"When ambulances respond to a non-emergent call, they are not available when an emergency happens," said ECDOH Deputy Commissioner for Emergency Medical Services Gregory Gill. "Once at the hospital, ambulances line up with all the patients arriving at the hospital. Patients are treated in hospital by severity of illness, not how they arrived, so going in by ambulance will not push you to the start of the line. And during that wait, that ambulance is out of service and not available to respond to emergencies."

"Reported influenza cases have increased the past few weeks, locally and statewide, and we can expect to see flu circulating into the spring," said Dr. Burstein. "There is still time to get an influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine or RSV vaccine; these are safe and effective preventive measures. Also, follow other basic guidance to reduce the risk of respiratory illness transmission: stay home and away from others when sick, wash your hands, and wear a mask, especially if you are an older adult or have chronic medical conditions."

Residents are encouraged to consider alternatives for non-urgent medical needs, such as:

• Urgent care centers for minor injuries, mild respiratory symptoms and other non-life-threatening conditions.

• Primary care providers for routine care and follow-up. Some doctors and pediatricians offer acute care and walk-ins for sick care, especially pediatricians.

• Telehealth services for consultations that do not require in-person evaluation.

• These services can generally provide appropriate prescriptions, directions for over-the-counter medications and other recommendations for pain and symptom relief.

Call 911 for symptoms that are immediately life-threatening, such as:

• Choking

• Severe shortness of breath or trouble breathing

• Chest pain or pressure

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Severe burns

• Head injuries or suspected head injuries

• Sudden weakness or numbness, sudden confusion, or stroke symptoms

• Poisoning or drug overdose - regulated or unregulated substances

• Any condition that could be life-threatening - this list is not exhaustive

If you do not have a primary care provider, urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics can provide medical care. Contact your health insurance company for urgent care locations or telehealth services covered by your plan. For help with health insurance access, call 2-1-1 and ask for an insurance enroller.