When to Call For Help

Picture of emergency response personnel placing a call

Anytime you are not comfortable with a medical situation, call 911 (or your local emergency number), go to your nearest emergency room, or call your family doctor.

Immediate medical attention

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the following 12 conditions warrant immediate medical attention:

Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure lasting 2 minutes or more
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 or homicidal feelings
Difficulty speaking
Unusual abdominal pain

Additional conditions

Additional conditions and symptoms that require emergency attention include:

Poisoning
Drug overdose
Loss of consciousness
Major burn
Spinal cord, head, or brain injury
Severe allergic reaction

Emergencies for children

ACEP recommends seeking immediate help if your child has any of the following:

Any significant change from normal behavior
Confusion or delirium
Decreasing responsiveness or alertness
Excessive sleepiness
Irritability
Seizure or abnormal shaking or twitching
Strange or withdrawn behavior
Severe headache or vomiting, especially after a head injury
Uncontrolled bleeding
Inability to stand up or unsteady walking
Unconsciousness
Abnormal or difficult breathing
Skin or lips that look blue or purple (gray for darker-skinned children)
Feeding or eating difficulties
Increasing or severe, persistent pain
Fever accompanied by a change in behavior (especially with a severe, sudden headache accompanied by mental changes, neck or back stiffness or rashes)
Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea