5 Signs You Should Go to the Emergency Department Immediately

When a medical emergency strikes, every second counts. Recognizing the signs that warrant a trip to the emergency department (ED) can make the difference between life and death, or between a quick recovery and lasting complications. While some health concerns can wait for a clinic visit or urgent care, others require immediate attention.

AtSpooner Health, we are here for our community 24/7 with compassionate, expert emergency care. Below are five signs you should never ignore and why getting to the ED immediately could save your life.

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain is one of the most common and serious symptoms prompting an ED visit. It could indicate a heart attack, especially if the pain is:

• Pressure-like, squeezing, or feels like fullness
  
• Radiating to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
  
• Accompanied by nausea, sweating, or shortness of breath
  

According to the American Heart Association, heart attack symptoms can vary between individuals and even between men and women. If you or someone around you experiences chest pain that doesn’t go away quickly, don’t wait, call 911. 

2. Difficulty Breathing

Shortness of breath can be a sign of a serious respiratory or cardiac issue, including asthma, pneumonia, heart failure, or a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Seek emergency care if you:

• Struggle to catch your breath
  
• Experience wheezing or high-pitched sounds when breathing
  
• Have bluish lips or fingertips
  
• Feel tightness in your chest or dizziness
  

Sudden difficulty breathing, especially if it worsens rapidly, requires immediate medical attention. The emergency department at Spooner Health is equipped to respond swiftly to respiratory crises with oxygen therapy, diagnostic imaging, and expert care.

3. Sudden Confusion or Trouble Speaking

A sudden change in mental status, confusion, or slurred speech can be a sign of a stroke, brain injury, or severe infection like sepsis. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Trouble forming words or understanding speech
  
• One side of the face drooping
  
• Weakness in the arms or legs, especially on one side
  
• Sudden, severe headache
  

Remember the acronym BE FAST: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Rapid intervention is critical. Stroke treatments are most effective within a few hours of symptom onset.

4. Severe or Uncontrolled Bleeding

While minor cuts can be treated at home, severe bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure is a medical emergency. Seek immediate care if:

• The wound is deep or has visible tissue or bone
  
• Blood is spurting or soaking through dressings
  
• You’re experiencing symptoms of shock (cold, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, confusion)
  

Uncontrolled bleeding can lead to significant blood loss, organ failure, or infection if not treated promptly. The Spooner Health Emergency Department is trained to handle trauma cases and can stabilize patients quickly.

5. Seizures or Loss of Consciousness

Experiencing a seizure or fainting without a clear cause can point to serious conditions like epilepsy, head injury, low blood sugar, or stroke. Call 911 or head to the ED if someone:

• Has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
  
• Experiences multiple seizures close together
  
• Does not regain consciousness
  
• Is pregnant, diabetic, or injured during the episode
  

Even if the person seems fine afterward, a medical evaluation is important to rule out underlying issues and prevent recurrence.

Don’t Wait. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels seriously wrong, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Our emergency team at Spooner Health is ready around the clock to provide lifesaving care with advanced diagnostic tools, experienced clinicians, and a patient-first approach.

Visit Spooner Health Emergency Services to learn more about what to expect during an ED visit and how we prioritize your care. In case of emergency, call 911 immediately. Your health is too important to take chances. Knowing the warning signs, and acting on them, could save your life or the life of someone you love.