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Ministry of Health

When to visit the hospital for emergencies

Find out more about emergencies that constitute for a hospital visit.

Last updated 26 October 2024

What is a medical emergency?

A medical emergency is a sudden illness that requires immediate medical attention.

Seven signs of a medical emergency are:

  1. Sudden or severe pain, including chest pain

  2. Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath

  3. Uncontrolled bleeding of any kind

  4. Sudden confusion or disorientation

  5. Sudden dizziness, numbness, weakness or vision change

  6. Coughing or vomiting of blood

  7. Continuous vomiting or diarrhoea

Preparing for a medical emergency

ID and medical documents

  • Carry your loved one’s personal documents such as an identification card in case he/she needs to be admitted.

  • Keep a list of all the medicines that your loved one takes, with dosage and special instructions, if any.

Contact details

Keep a list of contact details of your family members as well as healthcare professionals for medical emergencies. Prepare this list on your mobile phone or make a list separately.

List of warning signs

Ask your healthcare provider for emergency warning signs and write them down. You can also display these warning signs in a prominent area such as the refrigerator or next to the entrance of your home. Make sure that all family members know these warning signs.

For information on where to seek medical care, view the list of hospitals and medical facilities.

List of Reminders

Leave a gentle reminder with the following points in the emergency centre so that everyone remembers the steps to take during an emergency situation, e.g.

  • Keep calm as much as possible.

  • Keep your voice level even. This will help you to stay calmer and will also help people around you stay calm.

  • Get family members to help.

  • Never leave your care recipient unattended.

  • Do not move your care recipient excessively, especially if he/she has fallen.

For information on where to seek medical care, view the list of hospitals and medical facilities you can visit.