What is a Medical Emergency?

The purpose of any Emergency Department is to save lives. An emergency is any medical problem that could cause death or permanent injury if not treated quickly. Severe pain in some instances can also be a medical emergency, such as the pain associated with kidney stones or appendicitis.

What to Do When You Have a Medical Emergency
What if I have a Non-Emergency?

Some examples of medical emergencies are:

• Chest pain accompanied by sweating, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, radiating pain that moves to the arm or neck, dizziness, or feeling that your heart is beating irregularly or too fast
  
• Choking
  
• Severe bleeding that doesn't stop after 15 minutes of direct pressure
  
• Fainting
  
• Broken or displaced bones
  
• Swallowing poison
  
• Burns
  
• Suddenly not being able to walk, speak, or move a portion of your body
  
• Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing