When trying to decide whether or not to call 911 or go to the emergency department, better to decide to go rather than not go.
Having a list of conditions for when to call 911 is good, but it’s much better to know how to recognize an emergency no matter what the complaint is.
Complaints that may indicate a problem with the brain come on suddenly:
Weakness Numbness Vision loss on one or both sides of the body Dizziness Confusion Trouble speaking Severe headache Loss of consciousness (fainting or passing out) Seizures
There are plenty of other causes of shortness of breath. Heart attacks, pneumonia, emphysema, asthma, and pneumothorax are all examples of things that can lead to trouble breathing. Allergic reactions can also cause trouble breathing or difficulty swallowing and indicate anaphylaxis, a serious emergency.
Women don’t always feel heart attack symptoms the same way as men. Indeed, women sometimes don’t even feel chest pain.
If pressure alone doesn’t stop the bleeding, do the rest of the steps while someone gets an ambulance. Only use a tourniquet as a last resort. If the bleeding is enough to make the patient drowsy or weak, follow the rules to treat for shock and get an ambulance.
Plenty of seemingly innocuous complaints can have life-changing consequences if not treated quickly, and an equal number of scary situations end up being minor. If you think that you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to call 911 or go to the emergency room.
