Lung Cancer Emergency Action Plan

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room If You Experience:

• Severe Breathing Problems

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Unable to catch your breath
  • Blue lips or fingernails

• Chest Pain

  • Severe, crushing, or squeezing pain
  • Pain that radiates to arms, neck, or jaw
  • Pain with breathing

• Neurological Symptoms

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Seizures
  • Weakness on one side of the body

Contact Your Oncologist Immediately For:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• New or worsening cough
• Unusual bleeding
• Severe nausea/vomiting preventing medication intake
• Signs of infection around port or PICC line

Important Contact Information

Keep these numbers readily available:

1. Oncologist: [Insert Number]
2. Cancer Center: [Insert Number]
3. After-Hours Emergency Line: [Insert Number]
4. Preferred Hospital: [Insert Name and Number]

Emergency Kit Contents

• Current medication list
• Insurance cards
• Medical history summary
• Advanced directives (if applicable)
• Recent lab results
• Emergency contact information

Prevention Steps

• Monitor symptoms daily
• Take medications as prescribed
• Keep all scheduled appointments
• Maintain good hand hygiene
• Avoid crowds during low immunity periods

Keep this plan in an easily accessible location and share with family members/caregivers.