WHEN TO CALL 911

Medical emergencies happen far more often than you may think. Chances are that you, a close friend or family member will need emergency care during the course of an average year. Because seconds can make a difference, it is important to become familiar with the emergency numbers in your area. If you live in Adams or York Counties in Pennsylvania or Carroll County in Maryland and have a life-threatening emergency or need an ambulance, call 911.

Life-threatening situations require immediate medical intervention. Call 911 whenever the following symptoms are involved:

• Loss of consciousness
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Extensive burns
• Weakness to one side of the body or difficulty speaking
• Poisoning
• Severe allergic reactions
• Severe, unaccustomed headache
• Chemical injuries

These are only examples, of course; you must use your own judgment to decide if an ambulance is needed.