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When should I call 911? CA NEWS

Submitted by David Hubbell, member Sun City EMC AUGUST 2017 SUNRAYS | 11

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are reasons to call 911. Calling 911 initiates a
tiered response by the local police department,
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(EMS) agency.
A medical emergency is an event that threatens your own or
someone else’s life in such a manner that immediate medical
care is needed to prevent death or serious health impairment.
A medical emergency includes severe pain, bad injury, a serious
illness or a medical condition that is quickly getting much worse.
The following questions can help determine what a medical
emergency is.
– Is the condition life-threatening?
– Could the condition worsen quickly on the way to the hospital?
– If the victim is moved, will it cause further injury?
– Does the victim immediately need skills or equipment that
paramedics or EMTs carry?
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to the hospital?
If the answer is yes to any of these, call 911.
What if you’re not sure? Here are some other medical-related
reasons to call 911.
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improve with rest.
– Chest pain or fast heartbeat (more than 120-150) at rest,
especially if associated with shortness of breath or feeling
faint.
– Someone faints/passes out or someone is unresponsive
(comatose).
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the body.
– Sudden dizziness, weakness or mental changes (confusion,
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– Sudden blindness, blurry vision or double vision.
– Heavy bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or rectum.
– Bleeding from any wound that won’t stop with direct pressure.
– Broken bones visible through an open wound or a broken leg.
– Someone is drowning, choking or has severe burns.
– Allergic reactions, especially if there is any difficulty
breathing.
– Extreme fever or chills.
– Poisoning or drug overdose.
– New onset severe headache or sudden intense severe pain.
If uncertainty still exists about calling 911, it is better to be safe
and let the 911 operator determine if emergency assistance is
needed. Always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, call 911.
For more information about calling 911, visit the website:
http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/Emergency-101/When-
To-Call-911/

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