Warning signs

Chest pain or pressure

Pay particular attention to pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest, especially when it persists, returns or occurs with other symptoms.

• Shortness of breath.
• Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
• Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.

→ For possible heart attack warning signs, call 911.

Sudden stroke signs

• Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Drooping or weakness on one side of the face.
• Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg.
• Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

→ Call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms go away.

Severe difficulty breathing

Severe breathing difficulty, choking or a person who is not breathing normally may represent an emergency.

→ Call 911 when breathing is severely compromised.

Severe allergic reaction

A severe allergic reaction can begin very quickly.

• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Wheezing, fainting or a weak pulse.

→ Possible anaphylaxis requires emergency care: call 911.

Unconsciousness or sudden confusion

Unconsciousness or a sudden unexplained change in mental status should be treated as a medical emergency.

→ Call 911 and do not leave the person alone.

Severe bleeding

Heavy or life-threatening bleeding requires immediate help.

→ Call 911 for severe bleeding or immediate danger.

Collapse and no normal breathing

A person who suddenly becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally may be in cardiac arrest.

→ Call 911 immediately and follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions.