Know when your symptoms require emergency care.
Call 911 Immediately For:
Heart Attack Warning Signs
- Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
- Pain spreading to arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness
Stroke Warning Signs (FAST)
- Face drooping on one side
- Arm weakness or numbness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
Severe Bleeding
- Won't stop with direct pressure
- Spurting or pulsing blood
- Soaking through bandages
Difficulty Breathing
- Severe shortness of breath
- Gasping for air
- Lips or face turning blue
- Choking
Severe Head Injury
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Severe headache
- Repeated vomiting
Poisoning or Overdose
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Confusion
Go to ER (or Call 911) For:
- Severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling, breathing problems)
- Suspected broken bones with severe pain or deformity
- Severe burns
- Severe abdominal pain
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Sudden severe headache (worst of your life)
- High fever (over 103°F) with confusion
- Severe eye injury or sudden vision loss
NOT Usually an Emergency
Call your doctor's office or visit urgent care for:
- Minor cuts needing stitches
- Sprains or strains
- Minor burns
- Mild to moderate fever
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Ear infections
- Rashes (without breathing problems)
Important Phone Numbers
- Emergency: 911
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Nurse Line: (555) 123-4567
- Our Office: (555) 123-4500
When in doubt, call 911 or go to the ER. It's better to be safe.