01
Call 911
When there is immediate danger to life or safety, a medical emergency, or a suspected overdose. Emergency services are the right choice whenever waiting could cause harm.
Urgent Help
Know where to turn when the situation cannot wait.
Icare is an outpatient healthcare practice. Routine calls and website requests are not emergency or continuously monitored crisis services.
Emergency guidance
Immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for immediate danger, a life-threatening medical emergency, severe overdose, or immediate risk of serious harm. For suicide or emotional crisis support in the United States, call or text 988 or use the 988 Lifeline chat. Both services are there for anyone, at any time — you do not need to be an Icare patient to use them.
Recognizing an emergency
Signs that call for 911 right away.
You do not need to be certain before calling. If any of the following is happening, treat it as an emergency and let trained responders assess the situation.
- 01
Someone is unresponsive, very hard to wake, or struggling to breathe
- 02
A suspected overdose or poisoning, whatever the substance involved
- 03
Chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, sudden confusion, or another possibly life-threatening symptom
- 04
Someone is at immediate risk of acting on thoughts of suicide or of harming another person
- 05
A serious injury, uncontrolled bleeding, or a situation that feels unsafe to manage alone
While help is on the way
What you can do until responders arrive.
These general steps can help you stay steady in a frightening moment. Emergency dispatchers give instructions specific to the situation — their guidance comes first.
- 01
Stay on the line with 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Dispatchers are trained to guide you through the moment.
- 02
Stay with the person when it is safe to do so, and try to keep the surroundings calm and quiet.
- 03
If it can be done safely, move medications, weapons, or other means of harm out of reach.
- 04
If an opioid overdose is suspected and naloxone is available, use it as directed while waiting for responders.
- 05
Gather what responders may need to know: current medications, substances involved if known, and relevant medical history.
- 06
Afterward, once things are stable, let your regular care team know what happened so follow-up support can be discussed.
Choosing where to turn
911, 988, or the clinic — how to decide.
The right first call depends on how immediate the danger is. When in doubt, choose the higher level of help.
02
Call or text 988
When you or someone else is in emotional crisis or having thoughts of suicide and there is no immediate physical danger. Counselors can listen and help you decide what to do next.
03
Call Icare at 702-988-3177
For existing patients with an urgent concern that is not an emergency — such as worsening symptoms or a medication question. Staff follow an approved triage process and may direct you to a more appropriate service.
Planning ahead
Preparation can make a hard moment easier to manage.
A few steps taken on an ordinary day can matter a great deal later — for you, and for the people who may need to help you.
- 01
Keep an individualized safety plan accessible
- 02
Know emergency contacts and supportive people
- 03
Keep current medication and allergy information
- 04
Store naloxone and overdose-response information when relevant
- 05
Follow the clinician’s instructions for urgent changes
Common questions
Quick answers about urgent situations.
What happens when I call or text 988?+
The 988 Lifeline connects you with trained crisis counselors who listen, help de-escalate, and help you think through next steps. It is for any emotional or mental-health crisis — not only thoughts of suicide.
Can Icare provide emergency or crisis services?+
No. Icare is an outpatient practice, and it is never a substitute for emergency care. For immediate danger call 911, and for emotional crisis support call or text 988.
What if I am worried about someone else?+
You can contact 988 for guidance about supporting another person in emotional crisis. If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
Do I need to be an Icare patient to use 911 or 988?+
No. Both services are available to anyone in the United States, at any time, regardless of where or whether you receive care.