A medical emergency is a critical or life-threatening situation, or a severe painful condition. If you or someone else requires urgent medical assistance, every second counts. Learn to identify the symptoms of these common reasons for visiting the emergency room:
Heart Attack Symptoms:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Stroke Symptoms:
Think F.A.S.T.
Learn these signs of stroke. Be a hero. Save a life.
Face
Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile.
Arms
Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms.
Speech
Does their speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.
Time
If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 911.
Rash Symptoms:
Common categories of rash include:
- Scaly patches of skin not caused by infection
- Scaly patches of skin produced by fungal or bacterial infection
- Red, itchy bumps or patches over the body, such as on the chest and back
Symptoms of Heat Rash:
Small, itchy red bumps on the skin. The rash may feel prickly, stinging, or burning.
Call Your Doctor About Heat Rash If:
- The rash does not go away on its own within a few days
- You develop an infection in an area where you recently had heat rash
Kidney Infection Symptoms:
Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection may include:
- Fever
- Back, side or groin pain
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent urination
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation or pain when urinating
- Pus or blood in your urine
