When You Should Call 911

Knowing when to call 911 (or your local emergency number) can save your life or someone else’s.
Call immediately if you or another person is experiencing any serious, sudden, or life-threatening symptoms.

Call 911 Right Away For:

1. Chest Pain or Pressure

• Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or radiates to the arm, neck, jaw, or back.
• Accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness.
  (Possible heart attack.)

2. Breathing Problems

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Wheezing, choking, or inability to speak.
  (Possible asthma attack, allergic reaction, or severe respiratory issue.)

3. Uncontrolled Bleeding

• Bleeding that will not stop with pressure.
• Deep wounds or amputations.
  (Risk of shock or major blood loss.)

4. Sudden Weakness, Numbness, or Confusion

• One-sided weakness or drooping face.
• Slurred speech or sudden difficulty understanding words.
  (Possible stroke — Act FAST: Face, Arm, Speech, Time.)

5. Loss of Consciousness

• Fainting and not waking promptly.
• Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes.
  (Possible head injury, low oxygen, or neurological issue.)

6. Severe Injury or Trauma

• Head, neck, or spinal injury.
• Serious car accidents, falls, or burns.

7. Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing after exposure to an allergen.

8. Poisoning or Overdose

• Ingestion of unknown substances or large quantities of medication.
• Call 911 first, then Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).

9. Sudden Vision Loss or Severe Headache

• New, intense, or “worst ever” headache.
• Blurred or double vision.
  (Possible aneurysm or stroke.)

10. Mental Health Crisis

• If someone threatens harm to themselves or others, or is out of touch with reality.
  Call 911 and request a mental health crisis response if available in your area.

When in Doubt — Call

If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, it’s safer to call 911.
Emergency responders can assess and guide you — even if it turns out not to be life-threatening.

What Happens When You Call

When you dial 911, trained dispatchers will:

1. Ask for your location and the nature of the emergency.
2. Provide guidance on what to do until help arrives—such as performing CPR or controlling bleeding.
3. Send emergency responders to your location.

Even if you’re unsure, dispatchers can help assess the situation and connect you to the right care.

When You Might Not Need 911

Not every medical situation requires emergency services. For non-life-threatening conditions—such as mild fevers, minor cuts, colds, or medication questions—consider:

• Calling your primary care provider.
• Using telemedicine through CompassionMD™ for same-day advice.
• Visiting an urgent care clinic if symptoms worsen.

The Bottom Line

If someone’s life, breathing, or safety is at risk—call 911 without delay. When in doubt, trust your instincts. Emergency responders would rather answer a false alarm than arrive too late.

📞 Other Helpful Resources

• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Mental Health or Suicide Help: Dial 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
• Non-Emergency Medical Questions: Use CompassionMD™ for 24/7 virtual guidance.