No one ever thinks they’re going to be involved in a medical emergency. But you shouldn’t be caught unprepared. In the event of a sudden medical emergency, you should know the signs and know what to do. Here are some of the most common medical emergencies, and what you can do to handle them in the best way possible.

Chest Pain – If you or anyone around you indicates feeling chest pain, don’t hesitate. In the ER, all chest pain is a heart attack until proven otherwise. The first thing you should do is call 911. Then, make sure all breathing passages are open and clear, and if they aren’t breathing, perform CPR.

Choking – If someone appears to be choking, and they’re actively coughing, it’s not an emergency because a cough is an indication that the airways are not blocked. Only when the person isn’t making any sound is it necessary to begin the Heimlich maneuver. Otherwise, you could injure the person more than if they just cough the food/blockage out.

Bleeding – It’s important to know that you should not try to fashion a tourniquet in the event of bleeding. This can damage the surrounding tissues and make the wound worse. Try to put direct pressure on the affected area, even if it’s a partial amputation. Find a piece of fabric and keep it pressed on tight.

The first thing you should do if you’re ever worried there’s a medical emergency is call 911. It may seem like common sense, but in the moment, you could draw a blank. Let the emergency respondents take over some of the pressure. They can tell you where to find local after hours urgent care, a walk in health clinic, a free walk in clinic, or any other urgent care facilities you need. Just know that when you visit after hours urgent care, or any emergency walk in clinic, you’ll be in the very best care possible.