When to Call For Help
Anytime you are not comfortable with a medical situation, call 911 (or your local emergency number), go to your nearest emergency room, or call your family physician.
The following list is not all-inclusive but provides examples of medical situations and conditions that warrant immediate medical attention:
- Chest or abdominal pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing; shortness of breath
- Puncture wound
- Spinal cord, head, or brain injury
- Major burn
- Poisoning (including food, chemical, lead, or gas)
- Bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure
- Problems with movement or sensation following an injury or fall
- Animal, snake, insect, or human bite
- Broken bone
- Severe pain in any part of the body
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
- Hallucinations and clouding of thoughts
- A stiff neck in association with fever or headache
- Unequal pupil size, loss of consciousness, blindness
- Staggering, or repeated vomiting after a head injury
- Drug overdose
Remember, anytime you are not comfortable with a medical situation, you should call for assistance. By acting quickly, you may prevent a serious emergency and could save a life.
Click here to view the
Online Resources of Non-Traumatic Emergencies