First Aid

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
puncture wound
spinal cord, head or brain injury
major burn
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
broken bone
severe pain in any part of the body
severe allergic reaction
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
drug overdose

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.

This page was last updated on: January 25, 2008.

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