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Talk About Emergencies

An emergency health situation may be the scariest thing you have ever experienced. Fearing an emergency is almost as bad. You should always trust your feeling if you think you or your family member needs to see a doctor quickly!

Many times people go to the hospital emergency room for first aid and advice and for fast medical treatment. Except for true emergencies, this is the most expensive, least effective way to help protect health. In some places, however, it may be the only way to get a doctor's advice. So, how do you tell?

100% True Emergencies:

  • Sudden mental confusion
  • Breathing trouble
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Heart pain or collapse
  • Head injuries
  • Loss of consciousness or convulsions
  • Poisoning
  • Large burns
  • Broken bones, with an obviously deformed arm or leg
  • Broken bones showing through skin
Try a phone call to the doctor, an appointment the next day, an after-hours clinic, or a self-care or first aid book for advice if the problem is:
  • A cold
  • Sore throat
  • Flu
  • Minor cuts and burns
  • A rash
  • Earache
 

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Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published
in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. MELISSA MIXON, Interim Director

(POD-04-08)