In an emergency, minutes—even seconds—count. Getting prompt
care can make a difference. Symptoms that are sudden or severe such as
chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness on one side/facial droop
can be life-threatening or life-altering.
Call 911 if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Other emergency symptoms include:
Fainting/loss of consciousness/change in vision
Change in mental state
Deep cuts/bleeding that won't stop
Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
High fever/fever with rash
Seizures
Severe or repeated vomiting
Serious burns
The Emergency Team at BHS hospitals features fully credentialed /certified
staff and medics. Care is always supervised by a physician.
Create Your Home First Aid Kit
It is good practice to keep a first aid kit at your home and car in case
of emergencies. There are numerous items you can buy at a pharmacy or
department store to build your kid, including: adhesive bandages, elastic
wrap, aspirin, gauze, thermometers, safety pins, rubber gloves, and disposable
heating and ice pads. Be sure to tell frequent guests, family members,
and baby sitters where the kit is located.
How to Handle Medical Emergency
First and foremost, do not panic. This is a stressful situation, but by
staying calm it will be easier to make quick, vital decisions. If you
had the forethought to prepare for emergencies, grab your first aid kit
if you believe it can be of use. Do not attempt to administer any treatments
you are unsure of. Stick to simple tasks like cleaning and bandaging a
wound. Though it may seem like the right thing to do, do not give the
patient any medication (even aspiring), food, or water. They may need
to go to the hospital for surgery, and consuming any of these can negatively
impact the operation. Call 911 and explain the situation as calmly as
possible. The dispatcher will give you instructions, which may be little
more than waiting for an ambulance. Do not attempt to drive the patient
to the hospital yourself unless the dispatcher tells you it’s okay.
Emergencies & Your Child
Children, especially infants, are difficult to read. They may not be able
to let you know when they are having an emergency, making it your responsibility
to look for the warning signs. Be prepared to take your child in for an
unscheduled doctor or hospital visit if the child is acting strangely,
having trouble breathing, seems mysteriously confused, is unable to eat,
or if their skin turns blue or gray. If the child is bleeding and the
bleeding won’t stop, bandage the wound as best you can and report
to a doctor immediately. Do not hesitate to call 911 if you believe the
child needs immediate attention.
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