Reporting a Medical Emergency

If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think that you may be experiencing a medical emergency, it is important to remember the following:

1. Stay Calm
2. Call 911.
3. Give the exact location of the emergency.
4. Describe, as best you can, your condition and the symptoms that you are experiencing (chest pains, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc).
5. Stay on the phone and answer any questions 911 might have and do what the operator tells you to do to help render aid before other assistance arrives.
6. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
7. Do not have a friend or family member drive you, unless you cannot get an ambulance to take you. Emergency medical technicians can start treating you as soon as they arrive at your location and are trained to handle emergencies while in transit.
8. If your condition should keep you from performing the instructions noted above, please have a friend or family member do so.
9. Have a family member, friend, or the hospital emergency department contact us as soon as they can.

Preparing for a Medical Emergency

The best way to respond to a medical emergency is to prepare yourself and your family in advance for any potential medical emergency that you think might occur at your location.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What medical emergency would most likely occur in my house?
2. What can I learn now to adequately respond to that emergency?

If you or a family member has a medical condition that might require the use of CPR, start preparing now by learning CPR.

Have your home equipped with a good first aid kit and other necessary supplies that you might need should a medical emergency occur. Have each family member's basic medical history and medications available for paramedics and emergency room doctors.