When to Visit the Emergency Department
IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911
The American College of Emergency Physicians offers these warning signs that may indicate a medical emergency and signal you should proceed to the nearest Emergency department.
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
- Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
- Changes in vision
- Confusion or changes in mental status
- Any sudden or severe pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Suicidal feelings
- Difficulty speaking
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual abdominal pain
When to take your child to the Emergency department:
- Children have unique medical problems and may display different symptoms than adults
- Symptoms that are serious for a child may not be as serious for an adult.
- Children may also be unable to communicate their condition, which means an adult will have to interpret the behavior
- Always get immediate medical attention if you think your child is having a medical emergency.
