Uncontained bleeding
Uncontained bleeding You may have an internal injury that could get worse if you don’t seek treatment. If your head, face or neck is injured, don’t use a tampon or fingers to stop bleeding — these can push a sharp object further into your body and cause further damage. You may need stitches in your […]
Serious injury to your head, neck, or back/spine
Serious injury to your head, neck, or back/spine If you’ve been in a serious accident and sustained an injury that affects these areas, you should absolutely head straight for an emergency room. Head injuries are delicate and can be extremely dangerous if they aren’t treated immediately, while neck and back injuries need to be attended […]
Coughing up or vomiting blood
Coughing up or vomiting blood Though a common occurrence in many accidental injury scenarios, coughing up or vomiting blood is a telltale sign of internal bleeding that needs medical attention right away. Coughing up blood can occur when you’ve hurt your throat and there’s damage to a small vein; vomiting blood could indicate that there’s […]
Serious burns or cuts
Serious burns or cuts If you have a serious burn or cut, head to an emergency room. For burns over 20 percent of your body or burns that cover your hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, call 911 and don’t delay in getting medical help. These burns need immediate treatment at a hospital. The exception […]
Serious bone breaks
Serious bone breaks If you’ve broken a bone and it’s sticking out of your skin, don’t try to push it back in. Seek medical attention. If a bone is sticking out of your skin, get immediate medical attention! First responders typically use compression wraps for suspected broken bones until they can get you to an […]
Animal bites
Animal bites Although animal bites may not sound dangerous, they are a common cause of injury. Most commonly these bites occur from dogs, although cats and other pets can also inflict serious harm. A bite from any animal should be taken seriously, as bacteria such as Pasteurella and Staphylococcus can quickly infect a wound. Infection […]
Chest pain or symptoms of stroke
Chest pain or symptoms of stroke If you’re having chest pain or stroke symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness or loss of movement in an arm or leg, see a doctor immediately. Chest pain that lasts longer than 15 minutes is typically not caused by indigestion or heartburn. It could be a sign of a serious […]
5 Reasons to go to the Emergency Room : Allergic reactions
5 Reasons to go to the Emergency Room : Allergic reactions If you or someone you’re with is experiencing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get a professional medical evaluation: swelling in your face or throat; wheezing; tingling sensations; difficulty breathing; low blood pressure. These symptoms could indicate anaphylaxis, which can be […]
5 Reasons to go to the Emergency Room : Irritated eyes
5 Reasons to go to the Emergency Room : Irritated eyes If you suspect that you have a condition more serious than normal irritation, such as redness or discharge, then it’s a good idea to see your doctor. However, if your symptoms are severe and you can’t see your regular physician (for example, if it […]
5 Reasons to go to the Emergency Room : Deep cuts
5 Reasons to go to the Emergency Room : Deep cuts A deep cut or puncture wound is a type of trauma that can quickly become infected and cause serious health problems if not treated. Seek medical attention if you have a deep wound that hasn’t stopped bleeding after 10 minutes, even if it seems […]