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USA: Emergency contacts

In an emergency every minute counts. This chapter explains which numbers to call in the USA and what to say.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a phone keypad in red-gold light.
Figure 1.In an emergency, call at once.

01Short answer

Emergency numbers: all emergencies 911; mental health crisis 988. The main emergency signs during leukaemia treatment are a temperature of 38 °C or higher, chills, bleeding, breathlessness and confusion. Call your team’s 24-hour number first; if life is at risk, call an ambulance at once. Keep a bag with your treatment summary and medicine list ready by the door.

02Simple explanation

Numbers: memorised and in sight.

Fever of 38 °C: urgent.

Say: “leukaemia, possible neutropenia”.

03Scientific explanation

Febrile neutropenia: according to the NCI, fever during neutropenia can signal an infection that worsens quickly and needs urgent treatment.

Acting early: early assessment lowers the risk of severe infection and sepsis.

04What happens in the body?

Emergency numbers

all emergencies 911; mental health crisis 988. When travelling, learn the country’s emergency number in advance.

What to say

Your name, address, the phrase “I am being treated for leukaemia and may have neutropenia”, your symptoms and the date of your last chemotherapy.

A ready list

On the fridge: the team’s number, the emergency number and the nearest hospital. In the bag: summary, medicine list, documents.

On a dark navy background, a card on a fridge and a thermometer.
Figure 2.Key numbers in plain sight.

A ready bag

Documents, medicines, a charger and comfortable clothes for a sudden trip to hospital.

On a dark navy background, a bag with a document folder by a door.
Figure 3.A ready bag saves time.

05Four steps in an emergency

Calm and quick.

Sign — Recognise the danger.1SignRecognise the danger.
Call — The team or an ambulance.2CallThe team or an ambulance.
Say — “Leukaemia, neutropenia”.3Say“Leukaemia, neutropenia”.
Bag — Go with your documents.4BagGo with your documents.
TimeHelp comes fast.
AccuracyDoctors know the risk.
SafetyLower risk of complications.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Emergency numbersall emergencies 911; mental health crisis 988. When travelling, learn the country’s emergency number in advance.
What to sayYour name, address, the phrase “I am being treated for leukaemia and may have neutropenia”, your symptoms and the date of your last chemotherapy.
A ready listOn the fridge: the team’s number, the emergency number and the nearest hospital. In the bag: summary, medicine list, documents.
A ready bagDocuments, medicines, a charger and comfortable clothes for a sudden trip to hospital.

07Key terms

Febrile neutropenia
Fever when neutrophils are low.
Sepsis
A severe whole-body reaction to infection.
Ambulance service
The emergency medical service.
Treatment summary
A short document on diagnosis and treatment.

08Key points

  • Learn the numbers.
  • 38 °C is urgent.
  • Always mention leukaemia.
  • List on the fridge.
  • Bag ready.

09Frequently asked questions

Whom do I call at night?

The team’s 24-hour number; if no answer, an ambulance.

Can I go in myself?

If you are stable and the team says so; with severe signs call an ambulance.

Which hospital?

Your own centre if possible; ask the team in advance.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Whom do I call at night?

  2. Can I go in myself?

  3. Which hospital?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Fever and cancer treatment (Infection and Neutropenia)
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. 911.gov. Official 911 information
  4. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Official website
  5. ESMO. ESMO Patient Guides
  6. American Cancer Society. Tests for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Drugs Approved for Leukemia
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment
  9. National Cancer Institute. Physical Activity and Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI), SEER. Cancer Stat Facts: Leukemia
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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