10 Things You Should NEVER Do During a Medical Emergency

When a medical crisis strikes—whether it is chest pain, a fall, or a sudden stroke—panic is the natural reaction. In 2026, the way we handle emergencies has changed due to Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology and the prevalence of smart health devices. However, the fundamental rules of survival remain the same, and breaking them can have life-threatening consequences.

Seconds count, and making the wrong decision in the heat of the moment can delay treatment or lead to a denial of insurance coverage later. From driving yourself to the hospital to forgetting your “digital” medical history, here are ten things you should never do during a medical emergency.

1. Don’t Drive Yourself (or Let a Spouse Drive)

It is the most common mistake: “I can make it to the ER faster than the ambulance.” This is dangerous. If you lose consciousness behind the wheel, you turn a medical emergency into a fatal car crash. Furthermore, an ambulance is not just a ride; it is a mobile ER. Paramedics can transmit your EKG to the hospital while en route, activating the cath lab before you even arrive.

2. Don’t Hang Up on 911 Until Told

In 2026, 911 dispatch centers use Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology. Dispatchers may ask to access your smartphone camera to assess the patient visually or send life-saving instructions via text. If you hang up to call a family member, you sever this digital lifeline. Stay on the line, and if they request a video link, accept it immediately—it helps them send the right equipment.

3. Don’t Move a Fall Victim

If a senior falls and cannot get up, do not try to lift them immediately. If they have a hip fracture or a spinal injury, moving them can cause permanent paralysis or sever an artery. Unless they are in immediate danger (like a fire), keep them warm and still until EMS arrives to move them safely with a backboard.

4. Don’t Eat or Drink Anything

You might think a glass of water will help someone who feels faint, or a snack will help a diabetic. However, if the patient needs emergency surgery (for a blockage, appendicitis, or fracture), having food or water in their stomach can cause aspiration pneumonia under anesthesia. Keep their stomach empty until a doctor says otherwise.

5. Don’t Forget Your “File of Life”

Paramedics do not know your history. In 2026, relying on a locked phone to share medical data is risky. Never leave for the hospital without your “File of Life”—a physical red folder or magnetic card on your fridge listing your current medications, allergies, and doctors. If you are unconscious, this piece of paper saves your life by preventing deadly drug interactions.

6. Don’t Cancel the Ambulance Because You “Feel Better”

Adrenaline is a powerful drug. After a terrifying event like a TIA (mini-stroke) or a heart episode, the body often floods with adrenaline, making the patient feel suddenly “fine.” Never cancel the ambulance based on this temporary relief. Symptoms often return with a vengeance once the adrenaline wears off, and by then, you may have lost the critical “golden hour” for treatment.

7. Don’t Assume Your Smartwatch Called 911

Smartwatches with fall detection are great, but they aren’t perfect. In 2026, “false positives” and connection errors still happen. If your watch buzzes that it is calling emergency services, look at the screen to verify the call actually connected. Do not assume help is on the way just because your wrist vibrated.

8. Don’t Leave Your Front Door Locked

If you are alone and call 911, unlock the front door if you can safely do so. If paramedics arrive and the door is deadbolted, they will have to break it down, costing you thousands in repairs and wasting precious minutes. If you have a smart lock, unlock it from your phone or give the code to the dispatcher.

9. Don’t Forget Your Hearing Aids and Glasses

Hospitals are chaotic, loud, and confusing places. If you leave your hearing aids or glasses on the nightstand, you will be unable to communicate effectively with doctors or read consent forms. In the rush, grab these sensory aids first—being able to hear the doctor’s questions is vital to your diagnosis.

10. Don’t Take Your Own Meds Without Approval

If you are having chest pain, don’t just swallow a handful of aspirin or your spouse’s nitroglycerin. If you are on blood thinners, that aspirin could cause internal bleeding. Always ask the 911 dispatcher before taking any medication while waiting for the ambulance; they will follow strict protocols to tell you what is safe.

Prepare for the Unexpected

A medical emergency is the worst time to try and remember a plan. You must build your strategy now while you are calm and have the time to organize your medical documents properly. By avoiding these ten critical mistakes, you ensure that the technology and professionals can do their jobs effectively to save your life. Preparation is the only variable you can control in a chaotic situation, so use it wisely.

Do you have a “File of Life” on your refrigerator? Leave a comment below—tell us if paramedics have ever used it!