A medical emergency may exist for many reasons including trauma, alcohol or other drug overdose, serious mental health issues, or medical conditions like diabetes or cardiac arrest.
- Call 911
- Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger
- Provide first aid if you are trained to do so
- Reassure the person that help is on the way
Students (or anyone concerned about a student): Consultation regarding medical and mental health concerns is available by phone at all times. Call Cornell Health at 607 255-5155.
Faculty, staff, post-doctoral fellows and associates, retirees, spouses/partners of employees: Consultation with a counselor is available by phone at all times. Call the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at 607 255-2673.
If you are immediately concerned that someone may harm themselves or others, on the Ithaca campus call the Cornell Police at 607 255-1111. At other locations call 911.
- Chest Discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs may include: breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
- If you or someone with you might be having a heart attack CALL 911
- Stay calm
- Send someone to get the nearest Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)