In an emergency, minutes matter. Many serious conditions – a heart attack, a stroke, severe bleeding – are far more treatable when the patient reaches hospital quickly. The most dangerous mistake is waiting at home to see whether symptoms pass. If you notice any of the signs below, go to the nearest emergency department or call an ambulance immediately.
Call for emergency help at once if you see
- Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes, or spreads to the arm, jaw or back
- Difficulty breathing, severe wheezing, or lips turning blue
- Signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty – act FAST
- Severe bleeding that does not stop with pressure
- Loss of consciousness, a seizure, or a serious head injury
- Sudden, severe headache – the worst headache of your life
- Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or signs of poisoning
- A serious accident, burn, electric shock or fall from a height
Remember FAST for stroke
Face: ask the person to smile – does one side droop? Arms: can they raise both arms? Speech: is speech slurred or strange? Time: if you see any of these, it is time to get to hospital immediately. Treatment given early greatly improves recovery.
What to do while help is coming
Keep the person safe and comfortable, loosen tight clothing, and do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy or may need surgery. If there is bleeding, press a clean cloth firmly on the wound. Note the time symptoms started – the emergency team will ask. Bring the patient’s medicine list and previous reports if you can do so without delay.
When in doubt, treat it as an emergency. It is always better to be checked and sent home than to arrive too late.
In an emergency, do not wait. Come straight to our 24/7 emergency department or call for an ambulance – our team is ready around the clock.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not medical advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital immediately.