Health emergencies can be scary and stressful. Knowing what to do in an emergency can help you through it.
The following signs and symptoms are examples of common emergency problems.
These are only a few examples:
- Trouble catching your breath.
- Chest pain or tightness lasting two minutes or more.
- Upper stomach pain or pressure lasting two minutes or more.
- Passing out, sudden lightheaded or feeling of weakness in an arm or leg.
- Sudden changes in your sight.
- Unable to focus, changes in alertness or unusual behavior.
- Bleeding that will not stop.
- Severe throwing up or diarrhea.
MDwise covers emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you or your child have a true emergency, go to the closest hospital or call 911 right away.
The list of examples is not meant to take the place of your doctor - your doctor knows your health history best. Unless you are sure it is a health emergency, it is always best to call your doctor first.
There are other times when it is best to schedule a visit with your MDwise doctor. Here are some reasons to call your MDwise doctor first:
- If your symptoms come on slowly.
- You think your child has an ear infection.
- You or your child has cold or flu symptoms: fever, stuffy or runny nose and/or coughing.
- Rash or bug bites.
If you are still unsure what to do you can call the free MDwise NURSEon-call line at 1-800-356-1204. Choose option #4 for NURSEon-call. The nurse can tell you whether to go to the emergency room or wait to see your doctor.
NURSEon-call is available 24 hours a day. If you cannot reach your usual doctor and you think you or your family member will have a bad result if you do not get help right away, you may need to go to the emergency room.