Medical emergencies can happen without warning, whether you're experiencing symptoms yourself or witnessing someone else in distress. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can help ensure the right care is received as quickly as possible.

Knowing how to respond in an emergency is important, but preparation matters too. Learn how to build an emergency kit and create a family or personal preparedness plan before the unexpected happens.

Here's what to do during some of the most common reasons people visit the emergency department.

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Stroke Symptoms: BE FAST

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Immediate treatment can reduce the risk of long-term disability and improve outcomes. One of the easiest ways to recognize stroke warning signs is to remember the acronym BE FAST. 

Watch for:

• B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking.
• E — Eyes: Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• F — Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
• A — Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak/numb?
• S — Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or hard to understand?
• T — Time to Call 911: If you see any of these signs, call 911 immediately. 

What to Do

If you are experiencing symptoms:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
• Note the time symptoms began, if possible.

If someone else is experiencing symptoms:

• Call 911 right away.
• Keep them safe and seated or lying down.
• Do not give food, drinks, or medication unless instructed by emergency personnel.

Remember: Every minute counts during a stroke.

Heart Attack or Chest Pain: Don't Wait It Out

Not all heart attacks look the same. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may not always feel dramatic.

Watch for:

• Chest pressure, tightness, or pain
• Pain in the jaw, neck, arm, back, or shoulders
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold sweats
• Lightheadedness

What to Do

If you are experiencing symptoms:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Stop physical activity and sit down.
• Do not delay care to see if symptoms improve.

If someone else is experiencing symptoms:

• Call 911.
• Help them remain calm and seated.
• Be prepared to begin CPR if they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally.

Severe Trauma and Injuries: Prioritize Safety

Major injuries can result from car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, sports injuries, and other unexpected events.

Examples Include:

• Severe bleeding
• Head injuries
• Deep cuts or puncture wounds
• Serious burns
• Suspected spinal injuries
• Crush injuries

What to Do

If you are injured:

• Call 911 if injuries appear severe.
• Avoid moving unnecessarily, especially after a fall or crash.
• Apply pressure to bleeding wounds if possible.

If helping someone else:

• Ensure the scene is safe before approaching.
• Call 911.
• Control severe bleeding with direct pressure.
• Do not move someone with a suspected neck, back, or spinal injury unless they are in immediate danger.

Abdominal Pain: Know When It's Serious

Stomach discomfort is common, but severe abdominal pain can signal a serious medical condition.

Seek Emergency Care For:

• Sudden or severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• A rigid or swollen abdomen
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Severe pain with fever
• Signs of dehydration

What to Do

If you are experiencing symptoms:

• Seek emergency care for severe or worsening pain.
• Avoid eating or drinking until evaluated if symptoms are severe.
• Track when symptoms started and any associated symptoms.

If assisting someone else:

• Help them find a comfortable position.
• Monitor for worsening symptoms.
• Call 911 if they become unresponsive or their condition rapidly declines.

Respiratory Illnesses and Breathing Problems

Many respiratory illnesses can be treated through primary care or urgent care, but some breathing problems require immediate attention.

Watch for:

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing that doesn't improve
• Severe asthma symptoms
• Blue or gray lips or fingernails
• Chest pain with shortness of breath
• Confusion due to breathing difficulty

What to Do

If you are struggling to breathe:

• Use prescribed rescue medications if available.
• Call 911 if breathing difficulty is severe.
• Sit upright rather than lying flat.

If helping someone else:

• Call 911 for severe breathing problems.
• Encourage them to sit upright.
• Help them access prescribed inhalers or medications if appropriate.

Sepsis: A Medical Emergency Many People Don't Recognize

Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection and can become life-threatening quickly.

Watch for:

• Fever or very low body temperature
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Confusion or disorientation
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Clammy or sweaty skin

What to Do

If you suspect sepsis:

• Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
• Tell healthcare providers if the person has a recent infection, surgery, or wound.

If helping someone else:

• Call 911 if symptoms are severe.
• Stay with them and monitor for changes in alertness or breathing.

Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries

Broken bones, severe sprains, and joint injuries can happen at work, during sports, or everyday activities.

Signs of a Fracture:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Visible deformity
• Inability to move the limb
• Bone protruding through the skin

What to Do

If you are injured:

• Avoid putting weight on the injured area.
• Apply ice if available.
• Seek emergency care for severe injuries, open fractures, or significant deformities.

If helping someone else:

• Help keep the injured area still.
• Do not attempt to straighten the limb.
• Call 911 for severe injuries or if the person cannot safely be moved.

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When in Doubt, Seek Emergency Care

Not every illness or injury requires a trip to the emergency department, but some situations simply shouldn't wait. If someone is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, heart attack, severe injury, sepsis, or significant breathing problems, seeking immediate emergency care can make a lifesaving difference.
If you're unsure whether symptoms require emergency treatment, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.

With eight Mount Carmel Emergency Department locations across Central Ohio, expert emergency care is always nearby when you need it most. Take a moment today to identify the location closest to your home, work, or school so you're ready when every minute matters.