# When to Call 911 for Emergencies

- Summary: Emergency Guidance from Pennsylvania PEMA The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) has released a guide outlining when residents should and should not call 911. The document emphasizes…
- Source: Blair County
- Published: 
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: https://www.blaircountypa.gov/getmedia/9b84ca42-acd7-4b6b-9686-f4186f763590/WhenToCall911COVID19PEMA.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/this-pema-document/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Emergency Guidance from Pennsylvania PEMA The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) has released a guide outlining when residents should and should not call 911. The document emphasizes that 911 is for life-threatening emergencies only, while non-emergency situations should be handled through other medical channels. When to Call 911 Residents are instructed to call 911 immediately if they or someone else is experiencing: Breathing Issues: Difficulty breathing or choking. Allergic Reactions: Signs of a severe allergic reaction. Cardiac or Neurological Events: Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Mental State Changes: Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness. Physical Impairment: Difficulty speaking, walking, or seeing. Pain: Sudden, severe pain. When NOT to Call 911 The guide explicitly lists scenarios where calling 911 is inappropriate: COVID-19 Inquiries: Seeking information about the virus. Transportation: Needing a ride to a doctor's office. Testing: Wanting to get tested for COVID-19. Mild Symptoms: Experiencing mild symptoms such as a fever, shortness of breath, or cough. Additional Resources For non-emergency medical needs, specifically regarding mild symptoms like fever or cough, residents are advised to call their doctor. For more information about COVID-19, the document directs users to health. pa. gov.