Recognize the Signs of a Medical Emergency

The main function of an emergency room is to provide urgent care to those who are experiencing a true medical emergency. In order to determine if your condition requires emergency care, we’ve developed some guidelines to help.

These conditions are considered medical emergencies and require a trip to the Emergency Room:

• Signs of stroke (loss of function on one side of the body, speech impairment or numbness of the face or arm)
• Signs of heart attack (pain or tightness in the chest, pain or tingling in arm or shoulder)
• Serious traumas or injuries (e.g., severe burns, gunshot wounds, compound fractures, deep cuts)
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe pain that impedes normal functions
• Continuous bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes (despite pressure)
• Ingestion of harmful chemicals or poison (first contact Poison Control)
• Unexplained disorientation, dizziness or fainting
• Severe allergic reactions that may cause labored breathing or extreme swelling
• Suicidal feelings
• Severe or non-stop vomiting
• Vomiting or coughing up blood
• Upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Trauma or injury to the head or spine area

If you are experiencing any of these conditions, get to an Emergency Room or call 911 as soon as possible.