SAN ANTONIO – Methodist Healthcare is launching a new mobile app that will help make it easier for Fiesta-goers to get emergency medical help quickly.
"With facilities all over San Antonio, Methodist Healthcare is in the perfect position to provide emergency health services to Fiesta-goers," said Palmira Arellano, vice president, marketing and public relations of Methodist Healthcare System. "We want people to have a good time, but should a medical emergency arise, we want our community to know that our new app will help them get the help they need quickly and conveniently."
Recommended Videos
The app lists Methodist Healthcare hospitals and emergency centers throughout the city with addresses, emergency room wait times for most Methodist facilities and distance in miles from the app user, officials said.
Detailed information is included on the services for each hospital. Officials said Call-A-Nurse for Children services are also listed for parents who need to reach specially-trained pediatric nurses for immediate medical advice on an ill child.
Fiesta safety tips also are part of the new app.
"Our commitment to Fiesta San Antonio has always been strong, and we consider our sponsorship and involvement in Fiesta San Antonio to be an important aspect of our community outreach since it supports the work of many area nonprofit organizations," Arellano said.
Methodist Healthcare said the ER app is part of the Fiesta San Antonio app, and it also can be accessed by clicking on the App Store icon on your iPhone and searching for "Methodist ER." For more info about the app, click here.
Methodist Healthcare offered these tips for having a fun and safe Fiesta:
Stay hydrated -- Drink water continuously even if you don't feel thirsty. Remember that alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body.
Dress for the heat -- For many of us, Fiesta activities will be the first time we are out in the heat of the day. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors. Wearing a hat helps, too.
Feast on Fiesta foods with care -- Fiesta is a great time to sample new foods. If you are unaccustomed to eating spicy foods, choose your Fiesta foods with care. Also, be mindful of food allergies.
Show us your shoes -- This popular Fiesta greeting reminds everyone that the right shoes are important for walking long distances over terrain that can be rocky and uneven or the hot asphalt of the streets. Don't let a sprain or fall end your fun.
Bring your sunscreen -- Re-apply frequently to avoid your first sunburn of the season.
Remember bugs and plants -- Many Fiesta activities are in beautiful outdoor settings with flowering plants and trees. Take action quickly if you are allergic to bee or wasp bites. Also watch for fire ants. Spring allergy season usually is in full bloom for Fiesta, so if a severe allergic reaction occurs, seek help.
Listen to your body -- If you start experiencing headache, muscle spasm, nausea, fatigue, dizziness or fever, seek help quickly.