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Medical emergency: definition according to the WHO

A medical emergency refers to an immediate situation that may threaten a person's life, health or normal functioning. It requires rapid intervention, in particular to avoid serious complications. This definition therefore covers a variety of clinical conditions, ranging from strokes to severe injuries and accidents, as well as heart attacks. According to the WHO, a medical emergency should not be defined in a single way. Its definition instead describes public health emergencies as "situations requiring an immediate response to avoid serious consequences for the health of the population". For example, in August 2024, the mpox outbreak in Africa was classified by the WHO as a public health emergency of international concern, notably because of its rapid spread. Other definitions of medical emergencies are nonetheless possible. For example, the medical dictionary of the French National Academy of Medicine (Académie Nationale de Médecine) defines an emergency as a medical problem requiring rapid intervention, particularly when the emergency is life-threatening. But not all medical emergencies are life-threatening. In any case, these definitions emphasise the need for immediate intervention, in particular to prevent potentially fatal consequences. If needed, you can consult a general practitioner online in under 2 hours on Feeli.

How to recognise a medical emergency

It is essential to recognise the early signs of a medical emergency to ensure prompt and appropriate care. Symptoms can vary depending on the nature of the emergency, but certain warning signs are concerning, such as:

  • Chest pain: a tightening sensation in the chest or intense pain can be a sign of a pulmonary embolism or a heart attack;

  • Loss of consciousness: sudden loss of consciousness (or fainting) may require immediate assessment to identify possible complications (neurological or cardiac causes);

  • Breathing difficulties: a feeling of breathlessness, laboured breathing or cyanosis (a bluish colouring of the lips and extremities) are warning signs of acute respiratory problems;

  • Seizures: these can be a sign of a neurological emergency;

  • Severe, extensive burns: burns covering a large part of the body or affecting sensitive areas (hands, feet, face) require urgent care;

  • Severe bleeding: heavy bleeding must be treated quickly, whether internal or external. It can in particular lead to hypovolaemic shock;

  • Head injuries: certain symptoms, especially after a blow to the head, can be concerning, such as: intense headaches, vomiting, altered consciousness, etc.;

  • Neurological symptoms: loss of speech, blurred vision or sudden muscle weakness can also be a sign of a stroke.

It is important to stress that these warning signs can vary depending on the patient's age, sex and medical history. If in doubt, contact the emergency services immediately (call 15 for the SAMU in France) or consult a doctor without an appointment on Feeli for non-life-threatening emergencies.

Where to find a medical emergency service in Paris

Several services are available in Paris to deal with medical emergencies. This includes in particular hospital facilities (hospital, health centre, clinic, etc.), home visits, in-office visits or teleconsultation on Feeli. Regarding the emergency services available in Paris, we can mention:

  1• Service d'aide médicale urgente: better known as SAMU, the French emergency medical service provides round-the-clock support and organises emergency response for life-threatening situations. The SAMU can be reached on 15 or 112 (the European emergency number). Website: www.aphp.fr;

  2• Urgences médicales de Paris (UMP): the UMP offers home visits and appointments for in-office consultations (Paris 17th and 20th) and teleconsultations, 24/7. You can reach them on 01 53 94 94 94 or visit their website www.ump.fr ;

  3• SOS Médecins: SOS Médecins offers the same type of services and can be reached on 3624 (national number) or 01 47 07 77 77 (Greater Paris). Website: www.sosmedecins.fr;

  4• Garde médicale de Paris: on-call doctors and pharmacies provide cover outside standard consultation hours. You can reach them on 01 42 72 88 88. Website: www.paris.fr.

The City of Paris also provides its residents with a regularly updated list to help locate on-call doctors and pharmacies in Paris. This list is available on the official website of the City of Paris. Finally, to view emergency services in the Île-de-France region in real time, you can also use the "Mes urgences" app. If you witness or are the victim of a life-threatening emergency, dial 15 (SAMU) or 112 (the European emergency number) immediately. Where possible, you can also go to the nearest hospital.

How to contact a medical emergency service in Île-de-France

Several services are available in Île-de-France to deal with medical emergencies. Here is a list of the main numbers to know:

  • SAMU: 15.

  • European emergency number: 112.

  • Urgences médicales de Paris (UMP): 01 53 94 94 94.

  • SOS Médecins Paris Île-de-France: 36 24 (€0.12/min) or 01 47 07 77 77.

  • Garde Médicale de Paris: 01 42 72 88 88.

  • SOS Médecins 91 (Essonne): 08 26 88 91 91 (€0.15/min).

  • SOS Médecins 78 (Yvelines): 36 24 (€0.12/min) or 01 39 58 58 58.

  • Service d'Urgence 93 (Seine-Saint-Denis): 01 48 32 15 15.

  • Médigarde 94 (Val-de-Marne): 01 48 89 15 15.

  • SOS Médecins 95 (Val-d'Oise): 36 24 (€0.12/min).

For non-life-threatening urgent needs, online consultation with Feeli is also a valuable alternative, particularly given the current shortage of doctors.

Medical emergencies near me: the benefits of teleconsultation

Teleconsultation with Feeli has the advantage of ensuring prompt care with a general practitioner in under 2 hours. Feeli also offers teleconsultations within 24 hours for various specialities:

  • Dermatology;

  • Gynaecology;

  • Paediatrics;

  • Cardiology.

In an emergency, speed of access to care is crucial. When the medical reason is not life-threatening, online consultation on Feeli allows patients a remote consultation in under 2 hours with a general practitioner, and within 24 hours for certain specialists, such as a dermatologist or gynaecologist.