An emergency is a serious and often dangerous situation that requires immediate action. In a medical context, this can include hundreds of different situations, from a broken bone to a severe allergic reaction. While it is important to know the difference between an urgent medical situation and a medical emergency, it is also imperative to differentiate life-threatening emergencies from non-life-threatening emergencies. Non-life-threatening emergencies are medical situations that do not pose a risk to someone’s life but still need to be treated right away, such as a fractured femur or first-degree burn. A life-threatening emergency is a medical situation where an individual’s life is in jeopardy if they do not receive immediate medical attention, including a heart attack, stroke, severe burns covering over ten percent of the body, and deep wounds that cause significant amount of blood loss. Examples of non-life-threatening emergencies include:

•  Minor to moderate cuts and burns
•  Insect and animal bites
•  Strains
•  Sprains
•  Fractures
•  Influenza

They often include symptoms like:

•  Sudden and severe pain
•  High fever
•  Increasing serious illness

A life-threatening emergency is a medical situation that could be fatal if not treated immediately. This can include many different injuries, illnesses, symptoms, and conditions, such as:

Life-Threatening Symptoms
• Severe chest pains
• Vomiting blood
• Paralysis of arms or legs
• Respiratory distress or cessation of breathing
• Choking and unable to clear the obstruction
• Uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop
• Sudden slurred speech
• Prolonged unconsciousness

Accidents
• Vehicle collision
• Industrial accidents
• Drowning
• Reaction to snake bite or bee sting
• Struck by lightning
• Drug overdose
• Severe burns
• Head or spinal cord injury

Medical Emergencies
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Seizure
• Diabetic shock
• Heatstroke
• Hypothermia
• Anaphylaxis
• Severe sepsis and septic shock
• Poisoning

The main steps of an emergency action plan include: determining the condition of the patient and stabilizing them, if necessary; calling emergency services and requesting immediate help; providing first aid until emergency workers arrive. In a medical setting such as a clinic or hospital, these steps look quite different as there is no need to call emergency services. The steps typically include: stabilizing the patient; determining the extent of their injuries; providing the necessary treatments to restore their health; provide ongoing care until the patient is able to be discharged.

A non-life-threatening injury is an injury that does not endanger one’s life but still needs to be treated right away. When properly treated, these types of injuries will not likely have a long-term impact on life or function. Non-life-threatening injuries are typically resolved during a visit to an urgent care clinic with minimal follow-up care required by the patient.
 
If you or someone you know is experiencing a non-life-threatening emergency, come to Doc-Aid Urgent Care for treatment you can trust. Our doctor specializes in emergency care services and can help you address your concerns and restore you to good health. There is no need to book an appointment, simply walk into one of our clinics located in Laredo, TX. We serve patients locally in Laredo, Hebbronville, Zapata, Carrizo Springs, Cotulla, Eagle Pass, and throughout the state of Texas via our Telehealth option. We look forward to serving you!