The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has issued a revised Health Alert to emphasize the need to avoid delay in seeking emergency medical care.

There are two key issues in reducing this risk for delay:

1. Recognizing a medical emergency. Correctly interpreting and acting on these signs could potentially save a life.
2. Seeking immediate attention for the emergency. With medical emergencies, time is of the essence.

Current provider policies should not instruct staff to contact a supervisor prior to calling 911 in an emergency. Failure to call 911, which can result in treatment delays, may contribute to serious injury or death of an individual that otherwise may have been prevented if 911 was called. This Health Alert is intended to help providers and staff respond to medical emergencies by contacting 911 without delay.

For more information, see the updated Health Alert.