If a patient describes any of the following, or uses any of these phrasesget immediate help from a nurse or provider.
Chest pain
“My chest hurts”
“My chest feels tight”
“I feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest”
Shortness of breath
“I’m having trouble breathing”
Patient is taking breaths between words and struggling to talk
Stroke symptoms
“My left side is weak”
“My right side is weak”
Speech sounds slurred, pronouncing words incorrectly
Sudden numbness or weakness
“I have pins and needles in my arm or hand” or uses words like “tingling” or “numb”
Head injury or trauma
Sudden inability to see, walk or move
Or….if your gut says this person needs help- get it!
If the patient is in the building and needs immediate help, please use the word
“emergency” on the walkie.
Repeat that you need help with an emergency and your location until someone
acknowledges.