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:
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chest or abdominal pain or pressure
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difficulty breathing; shortness of breath
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puncture wound
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spinal cord, head, or brain injury
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major burn
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poisoning (including food, chemical, lead, or gas)
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bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure
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problems with movement or sensation following an injury or fall
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animal, snake, insect, or human bite
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broken bone
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severe pain in any part of the body
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severe allergic reaction
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severe or persistent vomiting
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sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
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suicidal or homicidal feelings
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hallucinations and clouding of thoughts
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a stiff neck in association with fever or headache
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unequal pupil size, loss of consciousness, blindness
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staggering, or repeated vomiting after a head injury
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drug overdose
When to call for assistance:
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.