Is this an Emergency?

A teen falls off his bike and hits his head - he was not wearing a helmet.

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Head injuries are always considered emergencies.

You see a boy fall overboard from a boat.

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Drownings and near drownings are call fast type of events. Intervene if you can and if appropriate plus alert 911.

Your Dad cuts his finger slightly while he is slicing oranges.

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Small cuts and lacerations are not emergencies but they do need cared for properly to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

Your sister is pale and dizzy after a long day working outside in the sun.

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Recognize that this is close to an emergency, but she is still conscious. This would be an act fast type of situation with the potential to become life threatening.

Your little sister has a small cut from some broken glass at the beach.

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

A cut with possible glass inside does need treated properly but it is not considered emergent.

There is a car accident on a wet road and two people are unconscious.

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Your dog is giving you hay fever. You can't stop sneezing!

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Allergies caused by environmental factors are not considered an emergency. They are treatable with over the counter remedies.

A woman eats a meal with peanuts and has a bad allergic reaction.

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

This situation can lead to anaphylactic shock (where a persons mouth and throat swell shut) this is an immediate emergency.

Your friend spills boiling soup over herself in the kitchen. She screams in pain.

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Large burns are considered emergency situations. If untreated person can go in to shock and become unconscious.

Your brother has an asthma attack during a long hike. He can't find his inhaler.

Is this an emergency?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Asthma needs immediate intervention. This is an emergency situation because the person does not have what they need to intervene which could lead to respiratory distress and even respiratory/cardiac arrest.