What is a medical or psychiatric emergency?

An emergency medical condition is a medical or psychiatric condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in any of the following:

  • serious jeopardy to your health
  • serious impairment in your bodily functions
  • serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part

A mental health condition is an emergency medical condition when it meets the requirements of the paragraph above, or when the condition manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either of the following is true:

  • The person is an immediate danger to himself or herself or to others
  • The person is immediately unable to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disord

Examples of symptoms that may be an emergency medical condition include the following:

  • chest pain or pressure which may radiate to the arms, neck, back, shoulder, jaw, arm, or wrist
  • sudden onset of severe abdominal pain
  • severe shortness of breath
  • sudden decrease in or loss of consciousness
  • sudden inability to talk or to move one side of the body, or sudden slurred speech
  • severe, persistent bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • major injuries such as gunshot or stab wounds or severe injuries from a vehicle accident

 

If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency
CALL 911  

What is an urgent symptom?

An urgent care need is one that requires prompt medical attention, usually within 24 to 48 hours, but is not an emergency medical condition. Examples of urgent care situations include:

  • minor injuries
  • sore throats and upper respiratory symptoms
  • earaches
  • coughs
  • backaches
  • frequent urination or burning sensation when urinating

If you are not sure if you need urgent or nonurgent care, we have an advice nurses available 24/7.

CALL Student Health Services: (209) 946-2315 

 

What's the difference between urgent and nonurgent questions?

Urgent questions are for situations where you or your family member cannot wait for a response. These may include situations where there are new or worsening symptoms, allergic reactions, and concerns that cause you or your family member to stop taking medication or to delay starting a new medication.

  • Stockton Campus 

    Nurse Advice (after hours only) 209.946.2315

    For on campus emergencies contact Public Safety at 209.946.3911

    For off campus emergencies call 911

  • San Francisco Campus 

    Nurse Advice (after hours only) 209.946.2315

    For on campus non-emergency issues contact the Department of Security at 415.929.6411

    For medical emergencies call 911

  • Sacramento Campus 

    Nurse Advice (after hours only) 209.946.2315

    For on campus non-emergency issues contact Public Safety at 916.739.7200

    For medical emergencies call 911