Get Emergency Help:

If your community has the 911 emergency number, dialing it will put you in touch with emergency medial help.

Not all communities use this system, so be sure you know which number to use and keep it posted near your phone(s).  Even small children can be taught to dial an emergency number.

Emergency Warning Signs:

Some warning signs of a medical emergency include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure, fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision, confusion or change in mental status, sudden severe pain, bleeding that won't stop, severe or persistent vomiting, coughing up or vomiting blood, suicidal or homicidal feelings.

Until Help Arrives:

Knowing CPR and choking rescue procedures is important, especially if you have small children in the house.  Your local American Red Cross or American Heart Association chapter may offer these courses.  It's also important to know the basics of first aid, so you can stop serious bleeding, manage shock or handle fractures until emergency help arrives.

Carry A Quik-Script Card:

If you or a loved one are unable to communicate, or have been through a traumatic experience, even during a normal MD office visit the Quik-Script card can be vitally important information that will assist emergency medical personnel in treating you.