IU Health offers emergency help

The state and campus-wide discussion on the Lifeline Law has raised the question: When should students make the call for medical help?
Dr. Diana Ebling, medical director for the IU Health Center, urged students not to judge medical emergencies for themselves. Instead, students should call on medical professionals to decide the seriousness of a health emergency.
If there is any thought at all that a student might need help, Ebling said, students should call 911.
“When in doubt, make the call,” she said. “There really needs to be a low index suspicion. If anyone appears they might remotely need medical attention, NEVER hesitate to call 911.”

Car accidents:
In situations such as car accidents, call for emergency medical help immediately, even if injuries are not immediately identifiable, according to the US National Library of Medicine.
The leading cause of death for 18- to 25-year-olds is unintentional injuries, Ebling said.
This includes motor vehicle accidents, alcohol poisoning and drug overdoses, among other incidents.

If the individual is conscious:
Watch for signs that the person is slurring speech or not acting like his or herself, Ebling said.  
The US National Library of Medicine also recommends seeking medical attention if the person has difficulty breathing, is injured and bleeding won’t stop, or experiences sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body.

If the individual is unconscious:
Emergency help should be called immediately, Ebling said.
The caller should always stay with the individual who needs medical attention, until an ambulance or other responders arrive, she said.