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Urgent medical attention may be indicated by the way certain illnesses
develop, or by the display of key symptoms. Medical training
is not necessary to monitor the development of the symptoms below
and follow the advice given:
- Pains in the chest, stomach (abdominal) area, head
(headache) which are not normally experienced by the person require
prompt medical assessment.
- Vomiting, particularly if associated with the pains
noted above, requires prompt assessment.
- Development of symptoms. Symptoms which are constant,
worsening, or which began suddenly, should be considered
as requiring urgent medical attention.
- An appearance of being weak, unwell, pale, clammy or
drowsy is significant. In contrast, requests for cigarettes, food
or alcohol would suggest against, but not exclude, serious illness.
- Suggestions of a cause. A history of heart
disease, heart attack, lung disease
such as asthma, or the presence of heavy
smoking or possession of prescribed medication, may suggest the
underlying cause. Ensure this is communicated to the appropriate
medical authority.
- Blood that is vomited up, coughed up, or passed out
unnaturally, always requires prompt medical attention, but is
not necessarily immediately life threatening.
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