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

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.