Are you prepared for an emergency? Knowing what constitutes an emergency, where you can get help and what precautions to take while you wait can help save a life.

PREVENTION

Prevention still remains the best cure. Get routine medical care from your family doctor.

RECOGNIZE EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS

Warning signs of a medical emergency include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness in breath

Chest or upper abdominal pain / pressure

Fainting or sudden dizziness

Weakness or change in vision

Confusion, sudden severe pain

Bleeding that will not stop

Persistent vomiting

Coughing up or vomiting blood

Suicidal or homicidal feelings

KNOW WHERE TO GET HELP

In an emergency, call 911, dialing will put you in touch with emergency medical help. Make sure your children know how to call 911 in an emergency. Remember, when calling from a cellular phone, your location and caller identification may not always be displayed. Please stay on the line with the dispatcher until instructed to hang up.

LEARN WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

Knowing CPR and choking rescue procedures is important, especially if you have small children. Our local American Red Cross chapter offers community CPR classes. It is also important to know first aid basics. You can stop serious bleeding, manage shock or handle fractures until emergency help arrives.

- American College of Emergency Physicians