Trust Your Gut
One of your most powerful tools is your own observation. Most of us have a sense for when a situation is dangerous.
If your instinct or intuition tells you it’s serious, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.
Chest Pain
If you have chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a couple of minutes, or if it comes back, it’s time to call 911.
You shouldn’t try to drive yourself or a loved one with these symptoms. The ambulance has special equipment and trained people who can help you more quickly.
Shortness of Breath
If it happens suddenly and is keeping you from your everyday activities, have someone drive you to the emergency room.
Call 911 if it’s severe or if you also have nausea or chest pain or you pass out. You could be having a heart attack or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lung).
Vision Problems
Call 911 if you suddenly have blurry vision, double vision, or loss of vision. That can be a sign of stroke or other serious illness.
You also should call 911 if you have trouble seeing and have a bad headache, nausea or vomiting, numbness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, or trouble talking. If you have severe pain or irritation in your eyes, get emergency care as soon as possible.
Burns
You can usually treat a minor first-degree burn — redness, swelling, and pain in the first layer of skin — at home.
But get to the emergency room if the burn is on a large part of your hands or on your feet, face, buttocks, groins, or one of your big joints, like your knees or elbows …
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