Recognizing emergencies

• fainting
• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
• continuous bleeding
• coughing up or vomiting blood
• suicidal or homicidal feelings
• severe or persistent vomiting
• chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• change in mental status (such as unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty arousing)
• sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body

• Know the location and quickest route to the nearest emergency department.
• Keep emergency phone numbers posted by the phone.
• Know at which hospital(s) your doctor practices and, if practical, go to that facility in an emergency.
• Upon arriving at an emergency room the victim will be immediately evaluated. Victims with life- or limb-threatening conditions will be treated first. Patients with conditions that are not life- or limb-threatening may have to wait.

• the victim's condition is life-threatening.
• moving the victim could cause further injury.
• distance or traffic conditions might cause a delay in getting the victim to the hospital.
• the victim needs the skills or equipment of paramedics.
• the victim's condition could become life-threatening on the way to the hospital.