Emergency Medical Guide
Recognize emergency symptoms and know when to seek immediate medical attention
Emergency: 911 | Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 | Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
When to Seek Emergency Care
Heart Attack
Symptoms:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pain in arm, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Cold sweats
Action: Call 911 immediately. Chew aspirin if not allergic.
Stroke
Symptoms:
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Confusion or trouble speaking
- Severe headache
- Vision problems
- Loss of balance
Action: Call 911 immediately. Note time symptoms started.
Severe Allergic Reaction
Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face/throat
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness
- Severe rash
Action: Use EpiPen if available. Call 911 immediately.
Severe Bleeding
Symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Blood spurting from wound
- Weakness or dizziness
- Pale skin
Action: Apply direct pressure. Elevate if possible. Call 911.
Difficulty Breathing
Symptoms:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Wheezing or gasping
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Cannot speak in full sentences
Action: Sit upright. Use inhaler if prescribed. Call 911.
Poisoning/Overdose
Symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
Action: Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. Do not induce vomiting unless told.
Basic First Aid Tips
Essential knowledge for emergency situations
For Bleeding:
- • Apply direct pressure with clean cloth
- • Elevate the injured area above heart level
- • Don't remove objects embedded in wounds
- • Seek medical attention for severe bleeding
For Choking:
- • Encourage coughing if person can speak
- • Perform Heimlich maneuver if unable to cough
- • Call 911 if object doesn't dislodge
- • Continue until help arrives
For Burns:
- • Cool burn with cold water for 10-20 minutes
- • Don't use ice or butter
- • Cover with sterile gauze
- • Seek medical care for severe burns
For Seizures:
- • Keep person safe from injury
- • Don't put anything in their mouth
- • Time the seizure duration
- • Call 911 if seizure lasts over 5 minutes
Consider Urgent Care Instead
These conditions may not require emergency room care
Urgent Care Conditions:
- • Minor cuts requiring stitches
- • Sprains and minor fractures
- • Mild to moderate fever
- • Ear infections
- • Minor burns
Primary Care Conditions:
- • Routine check-ups
- • Prescription refills
- • Mild cold symptoms
- • Chronic condition management
- • Preventive care