When to Call For Help
Anytime you are not comfortable with a medical situation, call 911 (or your local emergency number), go to your nearest emergency room, or call your family healthcare provider.
Immediate medical attention
![Healthcare provider talking on phone in exam room.](/-/media/images/health/3_-wellness/first-aid-and-safety/woman-on-the-phone.png?h=360&iar=0&mh=360&mw=520&w=245&hash=B609237D881D9263352D58CE4B7A95C8)
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the following 12 conditions warrant immediate medical attention:
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Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
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Chest or upper belly pain or pressure lasting 2 minutes or more
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Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
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Changes in vision
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Confusion or changes in mental status
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Any sudden or severe pain
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Uncontrolled bleeding
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Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
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Coughing or vomiting blood
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Suicidal or homicidal feelings
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Difficulty speaking, or numbness or weakness in any part of your body
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Unusual belly pain
Additional conditions
Additional conditions and symptoms that require emergency attention include:
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Poisoning
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Drug overdose
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Loss of consciousness
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Major burn
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Spinal cord, head, or brain injury
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Severe allergic reaction
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A fast heartbeat (more than 120 to 150 beats per minute) at rest, especially if associated with shortness of breath or feeling faint
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A broken bone with skin protruding through the skin
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Drowning
Emergencies for children
ACEP recommends seeking immediate help if your child has any of the following:
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Any significant change from normal behavior
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Confusion or delirium
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Decreasing responsiveness or alertness
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Excessive sleepiness
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Irritability
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Seizure or abnormal shaking or twitching
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Strange or withdrawn behavior
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Severe headache or vomiting, especially after a head injury
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Uncontrolled bleeding
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Inability to stand up or unsteady walking
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Unconsciousness
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Abnormal or difficult breathing
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Skin or lips that look blue or purple (gray for darker-skinned children)
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Feeding or eating difficulties
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Increasing or severe, persistent pain
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Fever accompanied by a change in behavior (especially with a severe, sudden headache accompanied by mental changes, or neck or back stiffness or rashes)
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Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
When to call for help
Remember, anytime you are not comfortable with a medical situation, you should call for help. By acting quickly, you may prevent a serious emergency and could save a life.