If you or someone you are with experience a medical emergency,
call 9-1-1 immediately.
Some examples of heart and vascular emergencies that require immediate care are:
Heart Attack Sudden blockage occurs when the arteries feeding the heart and the heart muscle is not receiving blood. Symptoms may include:
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Chest discomfort, pressure, fullness or pain lasting more than a few minutes
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Chest discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck, one or both arms, jaw or back
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Chest discomfort combined with lightheadedness, sweating, cool skin, nausea, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular pulse
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Upper abdominal pressure or discomfort
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Unusual fatigue and/or shortness of breath
Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Sudden blockage of the arteries feeding the brain. Symptoms may include:
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Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the face
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Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
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Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
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Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
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Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Sudden Cardiac Death Different from a heart attack, sudden cardiac death is when the heart suddenly stops functioning (beating) and comes to a complete standstill. Symptoms may include:
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Sudden loss of consciousness without breathing or heartbeat
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Typically there are few symptoms beforehand, but sometimes patients feel a rapid heartbeat or dizziness just prior
Critical Limb Ischemia Sudden blockage of the arteries, usually in the legs. Symptoms may include:
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Absent or diminished pulse in the limbs
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Open sores, skin infections or ulcers that will not heal
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Gangrene (dry, black skin) of the legs or feet
Below are some basic tips to help you understand what to do in an emergency and what to expect if you find yourself or a loved one in the Emergency Department. Follow the links below learn more.
What should I do in an emergency? First of all, remain calm. You will be better able to get the care you need if you are calm and can communicate clearly with the emergency personnel helping you.
If you have an emergency, follow these steps:
- If you cannot get there on your own, call 9-1-1 or your police emergency number
- Call your primary care doctor within 24 hours of going to the Emergency Department. If you cannot call, have someone call for you
- Go to your doctor (not the Emergency Department) for any necessary follow-up care
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Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
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Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
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Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
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Changes in vision
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Confusion or changes in mental status
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Any sudden or severe pain
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Uncontrolled bleeding
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Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
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Coughing or vomiting blood
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Suicidal feelings
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Difficulty speaking
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Shortness of breath
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Unusual abdominal pain
The patient, or his or her insurance company, will be billed for the ambulance, the hospital and the doctor's services.
What is the Emergency Department? It is a department in a hospital or medical center meant for people who cannot wait to get care. Unlike a doctor's office, you don't need an appointment. But that means many people may need treatment at the same time. In that case, the most urgent problems are treated first.
- A list of your medications and allergies. Be sure to include the name of the medication, how much you take and how often. When listing your allergies, include medications, foods, insects or any other product that may cause an allergic reaction
- A medical history form
- Your vaccination record (or know what vaccines you've had and when)
- Emergency contact information
What should I expect in the Emergency Department? You will talk to a nurse trained in emergency care (triage nurse) as soon as you arrive. He or she will ask about your problem. Your temperature, pulse and blood pressure will also be checked. You'll see a doctor right away if your injury or illness is severe. Otherwise, you may be asked to wait while more seriously ill patients are treated first.
In the Emergency Department, a doctor or team of doctors and nurses will care for you. All have special training in emergency medicine. You may have X-rays, blood work or other tests and will need to wait for the results of those tests. You also may wait to see a doctor who specializes in treating your condition. In the meantime, you will be made as comfortable as possible.
You may be admitted to the hospital if you are very ill or need further evaluation; but you often can be treated right in there. Before a friend or family member takes you home, you'll be given written instructions about how to care for yourself and prescriptions for any medications you need. Be sure to ask your doctor or nurse if you have any questions.
How should I respond in a medical emergency? You should always call 9-1-1 or your local access number for emergency medical service. If you are uncertain as to whether the event is a true emergency, you may call your doctor for advice.
Additionally, taking a standard first-aid and CPR class can help prepare you for most medical emergencies. The National Safety Council, the Red Cross and many hospitals offer classes.
