When a Family Member Suddenly Falls Ill — Emergency Checklist

So Your Mind Doesn’t Go Blank

When a family member suddenly collapses or is severely ill, knowing the order in advance protects the golden window. Stay calm and follow this.

General guidance only — not a substitute for medical care. In an emergency call your local emergency number immediately. Korea: 119 (ambulance), 1339 (medical info).

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Step 1 — Decide Fast: When to Call an Ambulance

Call emergency services immediately if you see any danger sign:

□ Unconscious / unresponsive / abnormal or absent breathing
□ Sudden one-sided weakness, slurred speech, facial droop (stroke signs)
□ Chest pain/pressure, cold sweat (heart-attack signs)
□ Severe bleeding, fracture, burns, difficulty breathing
□ Ongoing seizure, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
□ Suspected poisoning/overdose

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Step 2 — What to Say When You Call

□ Location (address, building, floor; if unsure, landmarks)
□ Patient's state (consciousness, breathing, symptoms, time of onset)
□ Age, underlying conditions, medications (as far as you know)
□ Follow the dispatcher's first-aid instructions (don't hang up)

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Step 3 — Which Hospital? (finding an ER)

□ Korea: emergency portal (E-Gen) or 1339 for nearby open ERs
□ Letting the ambulance choose the hospital is usually safest
□ Night/holiday minor cases: check on-call clinics/pharmacies
□ Elsewhere: your local emergency line will direct you

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Step 4 — What to Bring to the Hospital

□ ID and health insurance info (or number)
□ Current medications / med packaging (or photos)
□ Notes on conditions, allergies, past surgeries
□ Guardian contacts, cash/card
□ (Chronic patients) usual hospital / primary doctor info

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Prepare in Advance at Home

□ First-aid kit: antiseptic, bandages, gauze, thermometer, painkiller
□ Family medical memo (blood type, allergies, meds, conditions)
□ Emergency contacts/address on the fridge or door (elderly homes)
□ Learn basic CPR and the Heimlich maneuver (community health classes)

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Key Numbers (Korea)

Situation	Number
Ambulance/fire	119
Medical info / ER guide	1339
Police	112

ER availability is searchable in real time via Korea’s emergency portal (E-Gen) / 1339. Outside Korea, use your local emergency number and services.

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Key Takeaways

1. Danger signs (no consciousness/breathing, weakness, chest pain) → call an ambulance now.
2. On the call, give location, state, and onset time, and follow instructions.
3. Find an ER via the ambulance or 1339 / E-Gen.
4. Bring ID, meds, and a medical-info memo.
5. Prepare ahead: first-aid kit, family medical memo, basic CPR.