Fast Facts

An estimated 107 million Americans needed to visit an emergency room in the past year. Do you know or recognize the signs of when to seek emergency medicine treatment?

Some warning signs of a medical emergency include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure, fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision, confusion or change in mental status, sudden severe pain, bleeding that won't stop, severe or persistent vomiting, coughing up or vomiting blood, suicidal or homicidal feelings.

Learn what to do until help arrives

Knowing CPR and choking rescue procedures is important, especially if you have small children in the house. The University of Illinois Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine conducts free classes to the community for CPR training* It's also important to know the basics of first aid, so you can stop serious bleeding, manage shock or handle fractures until emergency help arrives.

What not to do

Never move anyone who has struck his head or was injured in a car crash, unless he or she is in danger. When treating burns, don't use ice or butter or petroleum jelly. If burns blister, are large or deep, get immediate emergency help.