Know which symptoms to watch for. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians and other national organizations, the following are some of the warning signs of a medical emergency:
  • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
  • Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Unresponsiveness when talked to or touched
  • Drowning
  • Unexplained seizures or convulsions
  • Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
  • Mental change (such as confusion, unusual behavior, difficulty waking or speaking)
  • Unexplained severe headache
  • Sudden or intense pain
  • Bleeding that won't stop
  • Severe vaginal bleeding
  • Coughing up or vomiting blood
  • Suicidal or homicidal feelings
  • Choking
  • Severe burns
  • Allergic reaction
  • Trauma (injury)
  • Hypothermia or abnormally low body temperature
  • Heat stress or exhaustion
  • Motor vehicle accident injury
  • Industrial accident
  • Drug overdose or poisoning
  • Neck or back injury