Emergency medical condition

Why is it important to classify emergency medical conditions in healthcare?

Classifying emergency medical conditions is important because it helps doctors decide how much care a patient needs.

Giving the right care quickly is especially important for patients in an emergency because the wrong treatment can lead to:

• Problems with important body functions  
• Serious damage to an organ or body part  
• High risk to the patient’s health

In adults, emergency warning signs include:

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath or labored breathing
• Changes in mental state (e.g., unusual behavior, confusion, trouble staying awake)
• Chest pain or discomfort lasting more than two minutes
• Choking or inability to breathe properly
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Weak or ineffective cough
• Fainting or passing out
• Thoughts of self-harm or harming others
• Head or spinal injuries
• Severe or ongoing vomiting
• Sudden injuries from car accidents, burns, smoke inhalation, near-drowning, deep cuts, or other trauma
• Intense and sudden pain in any part of the body
• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or vision problems
• Ingesting a toxic substance
• Severe stomach pain or pressure
• Unusual or severe headache
• Loss of ability to speak
• Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue
• Skin turning a bluish color (cyanosis)

In children, emergency warning signs include:

• Major changes in mental state (e.g., unusual behavior, confusion, extreme irritability)
• Decreased alertness or unresponsiveness
• Excessive drowsiness
• Inability to stand or walk
• Difficulty breathing or abnormal breathing patterns
• Trouble eating or feeding
• Skin turning blue or gray (cyanosis)
• Seizures
• Fever accompanied by altered mental state or neck/back stiffness
• Bleeding that does not stop

What to do if someone needs help:

• Remain calm and dial 911 or your local emergency services number.
• If needed, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or rescue breathing, provided you know how to do it correctly.
• If the person is semi-conscious or unconscious, place them in the recovery position until help arrives. However, avoid moving them if there is a suspected neck injury.
• Once at the emergency room, the individual will be assessed immediately. Conditions that are life-threatening or involve serious injury will be prioritized, while less severe cases may need to wait.