What is a medical emergency?

A medical emergency is a sudden injury or serious illness that, if not treated right away, could cause death or serious harm to you.

Warning signs that indicate a medical emergency include the following:

• Extreme difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure

• Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness

• Confusion or sudden changes in mental status (e.g., loss of consciousness, first episode of fainting)  

• New or sudden difficulties with speech or forming coherent sentences 

• New or sudden changes in your vision

• Any severe or sudden pain you have not experienced before

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Unusual abdominal pain

• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea

• Coughing or vomiting blood

• Fever of 103°F or above

• Suicidal feelings

• Threat to life or loss of life due to a mental illness or substance use