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
- spinal cord, head, or brain injury
- 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
- severe pain in any part of the body
- 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
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.
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