Common Mistakes in Emergency Decision-Making & Making the Decision: A Practical Framework

Understanding why people delay or make wrong decisions helps avoid these potentially fatal errors.

Dangerous Delays:

"Wait and See" Mentality:

- Costs precious time - Conditions worsen - Treatment less effective - Permanent damage occurs - Death risk increases

Minimizing Symptoms:

- "Just indigestion" - "Probably nothing" - "Don't want to bother anyone" - "Too expensive" - "Embarrassed if wrong"

Gender Differences:

- Women wait longer - Symptoms often subtler - Caregiver role conflicts - Social conditioning - Higher mortality from delays

Cost Concerns:

Remember:

- Life is priceless - Emergency care available regardless - Payment plans exist - Insurance covers emergencies - Medicaid retroactive - Charity care available

Never Delay Because:

- No insurance - Can't afford ambulance - Worried about bills - Immigration status - Previous debt

System Misuse:

Inappropriate 911 Calls:

- Medication refills - Chronic unchanged pain - Minor cold symptoms - Transportation needs - Loneliness

Consequences:

- Delayed response for emergencies - System overload - Criminal charges possible - Boy who cried wolf effect

When faced with a medical situation, use this systematic approach to decide whether to call 911.

The A.C.T. Decision Tool:

A - Assess Severity:

- Life-threatening? - Getting worse? - Severe pain? - Altered mental status? - Breathing problems?

C - Consider Alternatives:

- Can it wait? - Is urgent care open? - Can someone drive safely? - Is primary care available?

T - Take Action:

- When in doubt, call 911 - Don't delay decision - Trust your instincts - Better safe than sorry

Red Flag Symptoms = Always 911:

- Chest pain - Difficulty breathing - Unconsciousness - Severe bleeding - Stroke symptoms - Severe allergic reaction - Major trauma - Seizures

Time-Sensitive Conditions:

Minutes Matter:

- Cardiac arrest: 4-6 minutes to brain damage - Stroke: 1.9 million brain cells lost/minute - Severe bleeding: 5 minutes to death - Choking: 4 minutes to brain damage - Anaphylaxis: 15 minutes to death

Hours Matter:

- Heart attack: 90 minutes to open artery - Sepsis: Each hour delays increases mortality - Trauma: "Golden hour" for best outcomes

> Final Decision Rule: > If you're debating whether to call 911, you should call. The fact that you're concerned enough to consider it means it's potentially serious.