Medical Emergency

Knowing how to recognize a medical emergency can mean the difference between life and death. A medical emergency is any acute injury or illness that poses an immediate risk to a person's life or long-term health.

Classic red flags include sudden chest pain (which could indicate a STEMI or non-STEMI heart attack), severe shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, and loss of consciousness. If you observe these symptoms, do not drive yourself or wait for a doctor—call emergency services immediately for rapid transport.