When NOT to Call 911

Sometimes changes will be sudden. And sometimes they can be frightening for you and for your caregiver. But there may be more situations than you imagine that can be handled without a 911 call if you have an action plan in place. Symptoms that your health team can help you prepare for include:

	shortness of breath
	a pain crisis
	nausea and vomiting
	paralysis
	bleeding
	seizures
	loss of consciousness
	confusion or delirium

Your family should also learn about the signs and symptoms of approaching death, so that they don't mistake natural changes, like discoloration or cooling of the skin, or changes in the sound or speed of breathing, for an emergency that needs medical intervention.

Catherine