What is an Emergency?

The American College of Emergency Physicians defines a medical emergency as:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Fainting
• Sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision
• Change in mental status - unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty walking
• Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
• Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Suicidal or homicidal feelings
• Headache - severe, sudden onset, worst of life

If you have any of the above symptoms or are caring for someone who is experiencing these conditions, you should go directly to a hospital Emergency  Department for immediate evaluation.