Hailey Tran
When facing a medical emergency, it is crucial to act promptly and seek the necessary assistance. The first step is to assess the severity of the situation and determine whether it warrants a call to emergency services or a visit to the hospital emergency room. Certain conditions, such as chest pain, fast heartbeat, seizures, severe abdominal pain, or suicidal thoughts, require immediate attention, and delaying care can have serious consequences. Knowing the warning signs of a medical emergency and understanding the available resources, such as hotlines and urgent care clinics, can empower individuals to make timely decisions and receive the help they need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Emergency Number | 911 or local emergency number |
| Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | 988 or 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) |
| Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline | 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-622-4357) |
| When to call | When you feel your life or health is in danger, or in case of a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, stroke, bone injuries, seizures, heavy bleeding, internal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, scrotal pain, high fever, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Call 911 or your local emergency number for immediate assistance
If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, it is crucial to act promptly and seek immediate assistance by calling 911 or your local emergency number. Here are some situations where calling 911 or your local emergency number is essential:
Injury or Accident: If you or someone you know has been involved in a serious accident or sustained a severe injury, especially if it involves a potential neck injury, motor vehicle accident, or heavy bleeding, calling 911 is imperative. Paramedics have the necessary skills and equipment to handle such situations effectively.
Chest Pain or Pressure: Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences chest pain or pressure that lasts for a couple of minutes or keeps recurring. This could indicate a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
Breathing Difficulties: If you or someone you know is having difficulty breathing, such as fast breathing or a fast heart rate, it could be a sign of a severe medical issue. Call 911 right away, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, chest pain, or dizziness.
Broken Bones: A broken bone that pierces the skin or causes a deformed, numb, or bluish appearance in the injured area is considered a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately, especially if the injury is in the neck, head, or back region.
Severe Pain: Intense and sudden pain that lasts for more than 30 minutes could indicate a serious condition. If the pain is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, fever, or other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to call 911.
Mental Health Crisis: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or intentions, it is vital to call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. Additionally, you can reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-622-4357) or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255 for confidential support.
Remember, when in doubt, always err on the side of caution. If you feel uncomfortable or concerned about a medical situation, don't hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency number for immediate assistance.
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Contact a nurse telephone advice hotline if available
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, it is important to act quickly and seek help. One option is to contact a nurse telephone advice hotline, if your provider or health insurance company offers one. This can be a valuable resource when you are unsure about what to do or need advice on next steps. Here are some reasons why you should contact a nurse telephone advice hotline if available:
Quick Triage and Advice:
Nurse telephone hotlines offer quick access to trained nurses who can provide guidance and advice. They will ask you about your symptoms and may provide recommendations for self-care or direct you to the most appropriate healthcare service, such as an urgent care clinic or emergency room. This can save you time and provide peace of mind.
Avoid Unnecessary Trips to the Emergency Room:
Not all medical issues require a trip to the emergency room. By calling the hotline, you can get an expert opinion on whether your condition can be managed at home, through a virtual visit, or with a visit to your primary care provider. This can help reduce overcrowding in emergency departments and save you time and resources.
Receive Self-Care Instructions:
For minor ailments or non-urgent concerns, the nurse may provide you with self-care instructions to manage your symptoms at home. They can offer advice on over-the-counter medications, home remedies, or simple first aid measures to provide relief until you can see your healthcare provider.
Get Referrals and Specialist Advice:
If your condition requires further evaluation or specialized care, the nurse can provide referrals to appropriate healthcare providers or specialists. They may also offer advice on preparing for your appointment, such as what information or documents to bring along. Additionally, they can provide information on local healthcare resources, support groups, or community services relevant to your situation.
Remember, while nurse telephone advice hotlines can provide valuable guidance, they are not a substitute for seeking medical attention in true emergencies. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, or suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (e.g., 911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room.
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Recognise the signs of a stroke and act fast
Recognising the signs of a stroke is crucial as it can help minimise long-term effects and even prevent death. Immediate treatment can reduce the damage caused by a stroke and increase survival rates. So, what are the signs to look out for, and what should you do if you suspect someone is having a stroke?
The American Stroke Association recommends using the F.A.S.T. acronym to spot a stroke:
- F: Face Drooping – Does one side of the person's face droop or appear numb? Ask them to smile and observe if their smile is uneven.
- A: Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms and check if one arm drifts downward.
- S: Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Listen for slurred or strange speech.
- T: Time – If you observe any of these signs, it's time to call 911 immediately. Note the time when the symptoms first appeared, as this information is crucial for healthcare providers to determine the best treatment.
Other signs and symptoms of a stroke include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause.
Remember, stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these symptoms, don't delay. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away and seek immediate medical attention.
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Understand when to go to an emergency room
When an injury or illness occurs, it is important to decide how serious it is and how soon you need medical care. This will help you choose whether to go to the emergency room or not.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, thinking about hurting yourself or others, or know someone who has attempted suicide, call or text 988 or 911, or go to the hospital emergency room. Do not delay, and do not leave the person alone even after you have called for help.
If you are alone and experiencing emergency symptoms, do not try to drive yourself to the ER. Call 911. It is also a good idea to call for emergency assistance if you are alone with a child who is experiencing symptoms, or if you cannot safely move the person in need or drive them.
Some symptoms that require immediate medical attention and a trip to the ER include:
- Any sudden and severe pain, especially in the abdominal area or starting halfway down the back
- Animal bites
- Deep cuts, especially on the face, eye, or genital area
- Wounds that won't stop bleeding
- Severe burns
- Smoke or fume inhalation
- Seizures, especially if you have never had one before, are pregnant, or have diabetes
- Heavy bleeding, especially during pregnancy
- Cramping, dizziness, or pain in the belly or pelvis
- Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a couple of minutes
- Trouble breathing
- Broken bones, especially if the bone pierces the skin or the injured body part looks deformed
- Headaches coupled with dizziness, vision problems, slurred speech, loss of balance, fever, stiff neck, or vomiting
- Any sudden or unusual headache that you cannot attribute to a known cause
- Bruises that get larger or more painful, which may indicate internal bleeding
- High fever, especially in babies under 3 months old (over 100.4 F), children between 3 months and 3 years old (over 102.2 F), or adults (over 104 F)
If your condition or injury requires professional care but will not get worse if not immediately treated, you can hold off on the ER visit and visit a walk-in care center or make an appointment with your primary care physician. Conditions appropriate for walk-in care include mild illnesses such as colds, the flu, earaches, sore throats, migraines, and limited rashes.
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Know the warning signs of a suicide attempt
If you are experiencing a medical crisis, you can call a hotline. For instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-622-4357). If you are thinking about hurting yourself or others, you should call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7. You can also call 911 or go to the hospital emergency room.
It is important to know the warning signs of a suicide attempt. Suicide is often preventable, and knowing the warning signs can help save lives. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. These signs may include:
- A change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors, especially if related to a painful event, loss, or change.
- Wanting to die.
- Feelings of great guilt or shame, or feeling like a burden to others.
- Feeling empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live.
- Feeling extremely sad, anxious, agitated, or full of rage.
- Experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain.
- Making a plan or researching ways to die.
- Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will.
- Taking dangerous risks, such as driving extremely fast.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits, such as eating or sleeping more or less.
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these warning signs, get help as soon as possible, especially if the behavior is new or has increased recently. Do not leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.
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Frequently asked questions
Call 911 or your local emergency number. If you are in the US, you can also text 988 or call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Hospital emergencies include chest pain, a fast heartbeat, a broken bone, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, heavy bleeding, and suicidal thoughts. Trust your instincts and call for help if you are not comfortable with a medical situation.
You can call your family healthcare provider or your health insurance company's nurse telephone advice hotline. If you are a veteran, you can also seek emergency care at VA facilities.
