When Should You Call 911?

Some folks are afraid to call 911 because they are unsure whether their medical condition or complaint rises to the level of an emergency. Calling a physician for advice is a good place to start, but physicians aren't always readily available and many will end up telling patients to call 911 anyway.

There are specific conditions that should not wait for a call back from the family doctor before calling 911. These medical conditions are time sensitive -- waiting too long could have serious consequences, even death. Additionally, there are protocols in place to ease the transition from the ambulance to the hospital emergency department. A family physician will probably not have the tools necessary to treat life-threatening events in his or her office.

When experiencing one of the following conditions, call 911 immediately:

• Anaphylaxis
• Bloody diarrhea
• Chest pain (see heart attack)
• Coma (unresponsive victim)
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Drug overdose
• Heart attack
• Heat stroke
• Rectal bleeding
• Shortness of breath
• Slurred speech
• Stroke
• Sudden blindness (see stroke)
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Uncontrolled nose bleed
• Vomiting blood
• Weakness

• Serious Burns
• Bleeding that will not stop
• Bleeding with weakness (shock)
• Broken bones visible through an open wound
• Broken leg

This is certainly not an exhaustive list. It's important to understand that emergencies are defined by the victim; if you feel you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.