A health emergency is a serious injury or sickness that is unexpected.
A health emergency could happen to you.
A health emergency could happen to someone you are spending time with.
You could have a heart attack.
If you have diabetes, your blood sugar could get too low or too high and you could lose consciousness.
You could trip and fall and cut yourself badly or break your leg.
You could burn yourself badly while cooking.
Health emergencies often need to be treated right away.
If health emergencies are not treated quickly, the injury or illness could get worse.
You can yell out for help in a health emergency if a support provider or other person is nearby
If you are alone with a person when they are experiencing a health emergency, you can call 9-1-1 yourself.
If you experience a health emergency, but are still able to use the phone, call 9-1-1 and ask for help.
When you talk to the 9-1-1 operator you should tell them:
Stay on the phone until the operator tells you to hang up.
Try to stay calm while you are waiting for help to come.
If you have a health emergency, you may be unconscious or unable to communicate with people for some other reason.
You can make it easier for people to help you by writing down important information about you, your health conditions, and your support team.
Your emergency health list should include:
Ask a support provider or family member to help you write a medical information list or card that you can carry with you.
If you have a serious medical condition, ask about a Medical Alert Bracelet that you can wear all of the time.
Read more about health emergencies in this DDS Safety Net Article.
Ask your support providers to read this DDS Safety Net Article.
You and your support providers can fill-in your information on this Emergency Health Page or you can create your own.
Last updated on June 22nd, 2010