When to Call for Help

When to get help right away

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), these conditions need medical attention right away. Call 911:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

• Choking

• Chest or upper belly pain or pressure lasting 2 minutes or more

• Fainting, sudden dizziness, or weakness

• Changes in vision

• Confusion or changes in mental status or unusual behavior

• Any sudden or severe pain

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea, or vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't stop

• Coughing or vomiting blood

• Feelings about harming yourself or others

• Trouble speaking, or numbness or weakness in any part of your body 

• Unusual belly pain

Additional conditions

Other conditions and symptoms that need emergency attention include:

• Poisoning

• Drug overdose

• Loss of consciousness

• Major burn

• Spinal cord, head, or brain injury

• Severe allergic reaction

• A fast heartbeat (more than 120 to 150 beats per minute) at rest, especially if linked to shortness of breath or feeling faint

• A broken bone with a piece of bone poking through the skin

• Drowning

Emergencies for children

ACEP says to get help right away if any of the following occur:

• Any significant change from normal behavior

• Confusion or delirium

• Child is less responsive or alert, or is unconscious

• Very sleepy

• Is irritable

• Seizure or abnormal shaking or twitching

• Strange or withdrawn behavior

• Severe headache or vomiting, especially if the child injured their head

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Child can't stand up or is unsteady when walking

• Breathing problems

• Skin or lips that look blue or purple, or gray for darker-skinned children

• Trouble feeding or eating

• Pain that gets worse or is very bad

• Fever with a change in behavior. This could be a sudden, severe headache, mental changes, neck or back stiffness, or rashes.

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea, or vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't stop

When to call for help

Remember, if you're not comfortable with a medical situation, call for help. By acting fast, you may prevent a serious emergency and could save a life.