Emergency

Learning to recognize a medical emergency - and knowing how to respond to it - can literally mean the difference between life and death. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, the following are warning signs of medical emergencies:

• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath (Read about "Respiratory System")
• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision (Read about "Syncope/Fainting")
• Change in mental status (such as unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty waking)
• Weakness on one side or a facial droop, garbled speech
• Suicidal or homicidal feelings
• Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
• Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
• Severe or persistent vomiting, coughing up blood

Because emergency situations can cause people to panic, it's important to plan in advance. Think about how you would and should respond to different emergency situations. For example, make sure everyone in the family knows what numbers to call in an emergency. Find out if your health plan has any procedures you need to follow. (If uncertain about insurance terms, see "Insurance Terms") Make sure the numbers for your doctor and for poison control are kept by the phone. (Read about "Poison Prevention")

First aid

It's also important to know when a seemingly simple problem requires medical attention. For example, the American Academy of Family Physicians says that a simple cut may not need more than washing, a topical anti-bacterial ointment and a bandage. However, if the edges of the cut are jagged or open, you could need stitches. Similarly, if there's a foreign object involved, such as a nail or piece of wood, there may be a risk of infection. (Read about "Microorganisms") In such cases, you'd want to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

The following first aid suggestions are from the American Medical Association:

• Burns - A minor burn (small in size with no blistering) can be placed under cold running water, then protected with a bandage. Never apply butter to a burn. Never break a blister, since this risks infection. Large blisters may need to be broken by a healthcare professional. (Read about "Burn Prevention")
• Bleeding - Many experts say to apply direct pressure to a wound if needed to control blood flow, and to use a tourniquet only in life-threatening situations.
• Sprains - Many experts recommend using the RICE technique. Rest the injured part. Ice or a cold pack can be applied for up to ten minutes at a time every few hours. Compress the injury with a snug, not tight, bandage. Elevate the injured area. (Read about "Sprains")

Advance preparation can even save a life. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 1.5 million people have heart attacks every year, (Read about "Heart Attack") and learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) could be a lifesaver. The American Heart Association says CPR has saved thousands of lives. Your local hospital, local chapter of the American Red Cross or local chapter of the American Heart Association has more information on CPR classes.

Any kind of emergency situation calls for fast thinking. By knowing the facts and planning ahead, you can help yourself react to an emergency as quickly as possible.

Related Information:

    Emergency Room

    Anaphylaxis

    Stroke

    First Aid

    Head Injury