What Are Some Examples?

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