HOW DO I KNOW WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT
A MEDICAL EMERGENCY?
(Adapted from: www.tazecommhospital.com/senior_articles.htm)
The most common emergencies among Senior Citizens are:
Heart Attacks,
Heart Failure,
Strokes, and
Injuries
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians,
SYMPTOMS OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY INCLUDE:
Difficulty Breathing
Shortness of Breath
Pain or Pressure in the Chest or Upper Abdomen
Fainting
Sudden Dizziness
Weakness
Changes in Vision
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF:
Confusion or Changes in Mental Status
Sudden or Severe Pain
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea
Coughing or Vomiting Blood, or
Suicidal or Homicidal Feelings
If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor if there are symptoms related to it that could indicate an emergency.
Know your doctor's policies. Does the doctor want you to call the office first if you are having symptoms?
What should you do if the office is closed? When should you call 911 or go directly to the emergency room?
If you aren't sure whether to call for an ambulance, ask yourself:
- Is the condition life-threatening?
- Could the condition get worse and become life-threatening on the way to the hospital?
- Might the condition require skills or equipment carried by paramedics or emergency medical technicians?
- Could distance or traffic conditions cause a delay in getting to the hospital in a private car?
When in doubt, it's better to be safe than sorry. Call 911.
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