Medical emergencies can be stressful and confusing. You may not always know whether to call 911, go to an emergency department, visit urgent care, or contact your primary care provider.

This page is intended to help residents understand common medical emergency situations, prepare their homes and families, and know what to expect when help is needed.

When to Call 911

Some medical conditions require rapid treatment, advanced care, or safe transport by ambulance. If you are unsure whether something is an emergency, it is better to call 911 and let trained emergency dispatchers help guide the response.

You should call 911 for symptoms or situations such as

Call 911 For	Examples
Chest pain or possible heart attack	Chest pressure, severe chest pain, pain with sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath
Trouble breathing	Severe shortness of breath, choking, blue lips, or difficulty speaking
Stroke symptoms	Weakness or numbness on one side, facial droop, slurred speech, sudden confusion
Seizures	New seizure, prolonged seizure, or repeated seizures
Serious injury	Major bleeding, serious falls, head injury, eye injury, burns, broken bones, or dislocations
Motor vehicle crash	Serious crash, trapped occupants, injuries, or altered mental status
Unconsciousness or fainting	Person is unconscious, difficult to wake, fainted, or has a major change in mental status
Overdose or poisoning	Alcohol, medication, drug overdose, or possible poisoning
Pregnancy complications	Severe pain, bleeding, fainting, or other urgent pregnancy-related concerns
Fever with rash	Especially when the person appears very ill

Do not drive yourself if you are having severe chest pain, severe bleeding, feel like you may faint, or have impaired vision. Calling 911 allows emergency medical responders to begin care and transport you safely.

Talking to the 911 Dispatcher

When you call 911, try to stay calm, speak clearly, and answer the dispatcher’s questions as best you can. Stay on the phone until the dispatcher tells you it is okay to hang up

Question	Why It Matters
What happened?	Helps determine the type of emergency
Where are you?	Ensures responders are sent to the correct location
Who needs help?	Helps identify the patient and situation
Is the person breathing?	Helps determine if immediate CPR instructions are needed
Are there any hazards?	Helps keep responders and bystanders safe

If someone is unconscious, not breathing, choking, or having severe symptoms, the dispatcher may give instructions over the phone, such as how to begin CPR or provide other immediate care until responders arrive.