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When to Seek Medical Care

911, ER, urgent care, or wait? A quick-reference decision guide for caregivers

Know When to Act

Seconds matter for some symptoms

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CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

Life-threatening emergencies

Chest pain or pressure: especially with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea
Signs of stroke: Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty (FAST)
Difficulty breathing: Can't catch breath, turning blue
Unresponsive or unconscious
Severe bleeding: Won't stop with pressure
Choking: Can't speak, cough, or breathe
Seizures: Especially first-time or lasting more than 5 minutes
Severe allergic reaction: Swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing
Suicidal statements or actions

The FAST Stroke Check

Face: Ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is it slurred?
Time: If ANY of these are present, call 911 immediately. Note the time symptoms started.

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GO TO EMERGENCY ROOM

Serious but not immediately life-threatening

Fall with possible broken bone: Especially hip, unable to bear weight
Head injury with confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness
Severe abdominal pain: Sudden onset, rigid abdomen
High fever (103°F+) with confusion
Deep cuts requiring stitches
Sudden severe headache: "Worst headache of my life"
Sudden vision changes
Blood in vomit or stool (large amounts or black/tarry)
Inability to urinate for 12+ hours with pain

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URGENT CARE (Same Day)

Needs attention today but not emergency

Fever 100-102°F without confusion
UTI symptoms: Burning, frequency, urgency (common in seniors)
Worsening cough or cold: Possible bronchitis
Minor cuts or wounds: May need cleaning or minor stitches
Ear pain
Eye redness with discharge
Skin rash that's spreading
Mild dehydration: Dry mouth, decreased urination
Sprains and strains: Minor, can bear weight

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CALL DOCTOR'S OFFICE

Schedule appointment within a few days

New or worsening symptoms that aren't urgent
Medication side effects (non-severe)
Changes in appetite, sleep, or mood
Constipation lasting several days
Mild joint pain or swelling
Skin changes: New spots, growths (not rapidly changing)
Fatigue or weakness: Gradual onset
Follow-up on test results

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WATCH & WAIT

Monitor at home, call if worsens

Common cold symptoms: Runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever
Minor aches and pains: Respond to OTC medication
Mild digestive upset: One episode of diarrhea or nausea
Small bruises: From known minor bumps
Occasional dizziness: When standing quickly (monitor pattern)

Quick Decision Questions

1. Are they responsive and breathing normally?
If NO → Call 911

2. Could this be a stroke or heart attack?
If maybe → Call 911 (time is critical)

3. Did they fall and can't bear weight or has altered mental status?
If YES → ER

4. Is this a sudden change from their baseline?
Sudden confusion in seniors often = UTI or other infection → Urgent Care or ER

5. When in doubt, call the doctor's office.
Many have nurse lines 24/7 to help you decide.

Emergency Numbers to Post

911: All emergencies

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Primary Doctor: _______________

Specialist: _______________

Pharmacy: _______________

Nearest ER: _______________

Nearest Urgent Care: _______________

Family Contact: _______________

Trust Your Gut

If something feels seriously wrong, go. It's better to be told "it's nothing" than to wait too long. Seniors can deteriorate quickly, and their symptoms are often atypical. Confusion or sudden behavior change in an elderly person should always be taken seriously.