Stay ahead of the game with our emergency resources

If you catch fire, you know to stop, drop, and roll. If a suspicious character knocks on your door, you know to call the police. But do you know where to go if someone gets seriously injured?

You never know when an emergency might happen. All you can do is be prepared for one. Here, you can find numerous resources and step-by-step instructions for a variety of incidents, from fire safety to what to do when someone around you has a heart attack. You can start by keeping this comprehensive list of Texas state hotlines readily available. These hotlines are available 24/7 and provide essential support and assistance during emergencies or crisis situations.

• 911: This is the universal emergency services number in the United States. It connects you to police, fire, and medical assistance in any emergency situation.
• Texas Poison Center Network: Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison-related emergencies. This hotline provides immediate assistance and guidance in case of poison exposure or ingestion.
• Texas Child Abuse Hotline: If you suspect child abuse or neglect, you can call 1-800-252-5400 to report your concerns anonymously.
• Texas Adult Protective Services Hotline: Call 1-800-252-5400 to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults.
• Texas Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for confidential support and assistance if you or someone you know is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts.
• Texas Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 to report human trafficking or to seek help if you are a victim of trafficking.
• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Hotline: This hotline (1-800-252-5400) is for reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, adults, or individuals with disabilities.

How to help someone having a heart attack

1. Call emergency services: Dial your local emergency number immediately (e.g., 911 in the United States) to summon professional medical help.

2. Check for symptoms: Look for signs of a heart attack, including chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
   

3. Assist with medication: If the person has prescribed medication for a heart condition (e.g., nitroglycerin), help them take it as directed.

4. Help with comfort: Assist the person into a comfortable position, usually sitting or lying down, whichever is more comfortable for them.

5. Loosen tight clothing: If clothing is tight or restrictive, help to loosen it to make breathing easier.

6. Monitor vital signs: Keep an eye on the person's vital signs, such as pulse and breathing rate, while waiting for emergency help to arrive.

7. Do not leave them alone: Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive, unless it is unsafe to do so.
   

8. Follow emergency personnel's instructions: When medical help arrives, provide any pertinent information you have and follow their instructions to assist in the person's care.

Remember, acting quickly and calmly can make a significant difference in the outcome for someone experiencing a heart attack.

What should be in an emergency supplies kit?

1. Water

2. Non-perishable Food, such as canned goods, energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts

3. Manual can opener

4. First aid kit

5. Medications

6. Flashlight and batteries

7. Whistle

8. Multi-tool or Swiss army knife

9. Personal hygiene items

10. Copies of important documents

11. Blankets or sleeping bags

12. Clothing

13. Emergency cash

14. Maps

15. Personal Items, such as a cell phone with chargers, extra batteries, and any other personal items specific to your needs

Trust the region’s leader in emergency care

St. Luke’s Health offers a network of emergency services to provide increased access to high quality care where and when you need it. Find your nearest location.

Emergency departments

Our hospital Emergency Departments attend to all emergencies—when minutes matter— including heart attacks and strokes. Upon each patient’s arrival, a triage process (to assess the degree of urgency) determines the order in which all patients are seen and the most efficient care plan. 

Hospital-based community emergency centers

Our Community Emergency Centers throughout the greater Houston area provide a more streamlined process for hospital admissions, if needed, than non-hospital affiliated clinics and urgent care centers. We refer and transport patients to the nearest St. Luke’s Health hospital for direct admittance, rather than an additional wait in the ER.