Emergencies

If you are faced with a life-threatening emergency, or if you are not sure an emergency exists, call 911.

It may or may not be obvious if you or someone you know is seriously ill or injured and requires emergency medical treatment. Understanding the signs of a life-threatening condition can help you take appropriate action. If you or a person for whom you are responsible, has a pre-existing medical condition or is at risk because of age or other factors, ask your doctor about specific warning signs that should prompt a visit to the emergency center.

The following is a partial list of common symptoms and conditions that may bring you to the emergency center. (Please note this list is not complete. Consider your health and past medical problems when weighing the urgency of the situation.)

• Chest pain – possible sign of heart attack, severe asthma attack, pneumonia or result of an injury or accident (do not drive yourself to the hospital)
• Shortness of breath – possible sign of heart attack, severe asthma attack, pneumonia or a severe allergic reaction
• Sudden or severe abdominal pain – possible sign of heart attack, appendicitis, aortic aneurysm, injury or accident
• Sudden confusion, loss of consciousness or any change in mental status – possible sign of stroke, meningitis, shock, dehydration, carbon monoxide poisoning, accident or injury
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Obvious broken bone

You can find other helpful instructions by reading about what to do in an emergency and what to bring with you to the emergency center.

Payment, insurance

Emergency center services are available to all people, regardless of ability to pay.

It is always better to understand your insurance plan before an emergency occurs. If you have health insurance, consult your carrier for guidelines about emergency medical services. Your health insurance policy defines all payment responsibility, including possible copayments.