An emergency means you could die if you don’t get care quickly. Or you could be hurt permanently (disabled). Read below to know when to use and not use an emergency room (ER).
Here are examples of emergencies. This is not a complete list. These need care right away:
A hard time breathing (shortness of breath)
Severe chest pain or pressure
A fast or pounding heartbeat (palpitations) or fluttering in your heart
Choking
Severe bleeding
Suddenly unable to move or speak
Suddenly not being able to feel an arm or a leg
Blacking out (fainting)`
Poisoning
Coughing or vomiting blood
Severe or lasting vomiting or diarrhea
Severe belly (abdominal) pain
Changes in mental status or confusion, trouble waking up, abnormal behavior
Changes in vision
Sudden onset of the "worst headache of your life"
Suicidal thoughts
Thoughts of harming another person
Here are other emergencies. These also need care right away:
Deep cuts or severe burns
Broken bones, or sudden severe pain and swelling in a joint
If you have an emergency, follow the steps below.
Call 911 or your police emergency number. Having an ambulance transport you is the best option. Ambulance staff can begin treatment as soon as they arrive.
Or go to the ER that's nearest to you.
Tell your healthcare provider about the emergency. Call within 24 hours of going to the ER.
Have someone call for you if you can't make the call yourself.
Go to your healthcare provider's office for any follow-up care. Do this , unless you are having symptoms that you have been told are an emergency and should be treated in the ER.
If a problem is not an emergency, follow these steps:
Call your health insurance plan if you don’t know the name of your healthcare provider.
Have someone call for you if you can't call.
Visit an urgent care center or walk-in clinic if you don't have a primary care provider.
Your healthcare provider will tell you what you should do.
You may be told to see your healthcare provider right away. You may be told to go to the ER. Or you may be told to go to an urgent care center.
Follow your healthcare provider’s advice.