EMERGENCY SIGNS
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, the following are warning signs of a medical emergency:

• 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

WHAT TO DO

• 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.

CALL AN AMBULANCE IF

• 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.