Symptoms of an Emergency
Caring for Patients in Santa Rosa County
Many times, when a person is ill or has experienced an accident, they don’t know whether they should go to an urgent care office, their primary care physician or an emergency room. While there is a time and a place for each one, it can be difficult to know what is a “true” emergency.
Minor illnesses can usually wait, but some symptoms demand immediate medical attention. Patients in Milton and the surrounding areas may find the emergency services they need at Santa Rosa Medical Center, where providers offer emergent care and physician referral services (for follow-up care), as necessary.
How Do I Know If I Should Go to the ER?
If you find yourself asking, “Should I go to the emergency room?” consider whether or not you have any of the following serious symptoms. These can include things like head injuries, high fevers and signs of heart attack or stroke. Please note: This list is not comprehensive.
Recognizing Serious Illness or Injury
Signs of serious illness or injury may include (but are not limited to):
- Fevers
- In infants, greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- In children and adults, greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit
- Severe pain anywhere in the body
- Significant vomiting and diarrhea
- Pain or pressure in the chest or upper abdomen
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden or lasting changes in vision
- Confusion or changes in mental status
- Bleeding that cannot be controlled
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Vomiting or diarrhea that is severe or persistent
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
With regards to injuries, deep wounds that result in uncontrolled bleeding, as well as head injuries — especially those accompanied by loss of consciousness and/or vomiting —are best managed in the ER.
Heart Attack and Stroke
When it comes to heart attack and stroke, every minute matters. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect either one. Learn more about recognizing these medical events below.
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath and upper-body discomfort
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Symptoms of a stroke include:
- Severe headache
- Disorientation
- Difficulty walking and/or speaking
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
When Evaluating a Medical Emergency
Although the symptoms mentioned above are typically associated with some common medical emergencies, you know your body best and should always feel comfortable seeking emergency medical care any time you experience unusual or concerning symptoms. This will not only set your mind at ease, but also ensure that you have quick access to potentially lifesaving medical care, if needed. For more information about emergency services at Santa Rosa Medical Center in Milton, FL, please call (850) 626-7762.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Hands-only CPR: Two Steps to Staying Alive
The following information is provided by the American Heart Association
What is Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an "out-of-hospital" setting (such as at home, at work, or in a park). It consists of two easy steps:
- Call 911 (or send someone to do that)
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
When you call 911, you need to stay on the phone until the 911 dispatcher (operator) tells you to hang up. The dispatcher will ask you about the emergency. They will also ask for details such as your location. It is important to be specific, especially if you are calling from a mobile phone as that is not associated with a fixed location or address. Remember that answering the dispatcher's questions will not delay the arrival of help.