What is a Medical Emergency?

• A medical emergency is when you get hurt and need first aid.  You may need to call emergency medical staff (9-1-1) or go to the hospital.

Is it an Emergency?

• An emergency can happen any place and at any time.  It is important to know how to spot an emergency.  It is an emergency if you or someone you know experiences any of the following:
  • Hard to breathe
  • A pain in the chest lasting two minutes or more
  • Fainting, getting dizzy, a seizure, or weakness
  • A broken bone
  • Serious burn
  • Hard to see, blurry vision
  • Hard to speak
  • Get confused and act differently
  • Pain that does not go away
  • Pain in the head that lasts more than five minutes
  • Bleeding that will not stop
  • You get confused or have cool, pale skin
  • Throwing up or diarrhea that does not stop
  • Coughing or throwing up blood
  • Your stomach really hurts
  • You feel like hurting yourself
• It is an emergency, if you experience any of the things listed above.  You should tell your supporter or someone to call a doctor right away.  They may need to call 9-1-1.

When you Call 9-1-1 for Help, Remember:

• Talk with a calm voice.
• Give the name, address, and phone number of the person needing help.  Also, where to find the person.  For example, in the bedroom, or on the sidewalk.
• Tell the 9-1-1 person about the problem.
• Don’t hang up until the 9-1-1 person tells you to.  You might need to give more information.
• Remember, if you are using a cell phone.  It is important to tell the 9-1-1 person where you are.
• Remember if you are calling from a car give the 9-1-1 person the street name, highway number or call box number.

Stay healthy

• There are ways to lower your chances of getting hurt or sick.  To help yourself stay healthy, you can:
  • Eat healthy food everyday.  Fruits and vegetables are healthy foods.
  • Exercise every day.  Taking a walk is great exercise.
  • Visit your doctor for a yearly checkup.  Bring a list of all of your medications to each doctor appointment.  If you think your medicine is making you sick, keep a list of how you feel and the times these feelings happen.
  • Call the doctor right away when you feel sick or get hurt.
  • Talk to your doctor about your family health history.  Ask your doctor if there are any specific things you should do to stay healthy.
  • Keep your health information in one place.  This includes any medicine you take, your doctor’s name and your family contact information.  Tell the people on your support team where to find this information.
  • If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or seizures or if you are allergic to foods or medications, ask your doctor about “MedicAlert” identification.
  • Keep your home safe.   Look for things that could harm you.  Look for things you could trip over or sharp edges that could hurt you.
  • Ask your supporter or a friend to take a First Aid or CPR class with you.  You can find classes at the local Red Cross or Heart Association.
  • Get a first aid kit.  Remember to keep it full of supplies.
  • Ask your supporter to help you add In-Case-of-Emergency (ICE) to your cell phone address book.  Emergency room staff will check your cell phone for this information.

Resources:

• American College of Emergency Physicians
• The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide
• Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco