Why a Timely Call to a Physician or 911 is Vital When a Nursing Home Resident is Injured or Suddenly Ill

When a nursing home resident suffers an injury or experiences a sudden illness, every second counts. Nursing homes are responsible for the safety and well-being of their residents, which includes providing prompt medical attention when emergencies arise. Unfortunately, delays in contacting a physician or dialing 911 can have serious and even fatal consequences for vulnerable residents.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have seen how delays in emergency response or failure to promptly call a healthcare provider can lead to preventable harm, complications, or wrongful death. In this blog, we will explore why making timely calls to physicians or emergency services is essential for nursing home residents in Illinois, the legal implications of delayed responses, and how our firm can help families whose loved ones have suffered due to nursing home negligence.

Why Timely Action is Critical in Nursing Homes

Nursing home residents are often elderly, frail, or living with chronic medical conditions that put them at greater risk for serious health complications. Because of their heightened vulnerability, nursing home staff must be prepared to act quickly when residents become ill or are injured. Whether it’s a call to a physician to report symptoms or a 911 call for emergency assistance, swift action can prevent the situation from worsening and save lives.

Here are some key reasons why timely calls to physicians or 911 are critical when a nursing home resident is in distress:

1. Preventing Life-Threatening Complications

For many medical emergencies, early intervention can make all the difference between life and death. Conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, choking, or severe infections require immediate medical attention to prevent further complications or death.

For example, if a resident is showing signs of a stroke—such as sudden weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking—delaying a call to 911 can reduce the chances of successful treatment. A stroke victim’s best chance for recovery depends on receiving treatment within a specific time window, often within just a few hours. A timely 911 call can ensure that the resident is transported to the hospital quickly for lifesaving care.

Similarly, a fall resulting in a head injury or broken bones requires immediate medical evaluation. Failing to contact a physician or emergency medical services can lead to undiagnosed internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury, or complications from fractures. Prompt calls are vital in getting the resident the necessary medical attention to prevent further damage.

2. Addressing Sudden Illnesses

Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to sudden illnesses such as infections, respiratory issues, or gastrointestinal complications. When these illnesses arise, a quick response is essential to avoid further deterioration. For example, a resident suffering from pneumonia may exhibit signs of difficulty breathing, high fever, or confusion. Without an immediate call to a physician for evaluation and treatment, the illness can quickly escalate, leading to respiratory failure or sepsis.

Similarly, residents with diabetes are at risk of experiencing sudden changes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetic shock if not treated immediately. When a nursing home resident shows signs of sudden illness, staff must quickly notify a physician and, if necessary, call 911 to provide emergency care.

3. Reducing Delays in Care

One of the most dangerous consequences of delayed phone calls is the resulting delay in receiving necessary medical care. Many nursing home residents rely on timely interventions to manage chronic health conditions, take prescribed medications, and receive medical treatments. Any delay in notifying a physician or healthcare provider can result in the resident’s condition worsening.

For example, a nursing home resident who experiences sudden chest pain may be having a heart attack. In such cases, every minute without proper treatment increases the risk of permanent heart damage or death. The sooner the nursing home contacts a physician or dials 911, the faster the resident can receive lifesaving interventions, such as medication to dissolve blood clots or emergency surgery.

Delays in communication with healthcare providers can also impact routine medical care. If a resident’s condition changes and a call to the physician is delayed, it may result in missed doses of important medications, delayed diagnostic tests, or a lack of necessary treatments, all of which can contribute to a decline in the resident’s health.

The Role of Nursing Home Staff in Emergencies

Nursing home staff are the first line of defense when residents experience an injury or sudden illness. It is their responsibility to recognize signs of distress, make timely decisions about when to contact a physician or call 911, and ensure that the resident receives appropriate care.

The importance of timely action in nursing homes cannot be overstated, particularly because residents are often unable to advocate for themselves. Many nursing home residents have cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, that prevent them from effectively communicating their symptoms. Others may be physically incapacitated or too frail to seek help on their own.

1. Recognizing Signs of an Emergency

Nursing home staff must be trained to recognize the signs of medical emergencies and act accordingly. Some common signs that may require immediate attention include:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing: These symptoms could indicate a heart attack, stroke, or respiratory failure.
• Sudden confusion or disorientation: This may be a sign of a stroke, infection, or other serious condition.
• Severe pain or inability to move: This could indicate a fracture, spinal injury, or other serious injury, especially after a fall.
• Loss of consciousness: Unconsciousness is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, whether due to a fall, head injury, or other cause.
• High fever or signs of infection: Infections can quickly become life-threatening for elderly residents, especially if they are not treated promptly.

When these or other emergency signs appear, staff must immediately contact the resident’s physician or dial 911 if the situation warrants it.

2. Effective Communication with Physicians

In non-emergency situations where a resident’s condition changes or symptoms appear gradually, timely communication with the resident’s physician is equally important. Even if the symptoms do not initially seem life-threatening, a physician’s evaluation is necessary to determine whether additional tests, medications, or treatments are needed.

For example, if a resident begins showing signs of dehydration, such as dry skin, dizziness, or confusion, staff should immediately notify the resident’s physician to prevent the situation from worsening. The physician may recommend increased fluid intake, diagnostic tests, or even hospitalization, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Nursing home staff should never delay contacting a physician, especially when a resident’s health is at risk. Timely communication ensures that the resident receives appropriate medical care before their condition deteriorates.

Legal Implications of Delayed Calls

Failing to make timely calls to a physician or 911 can have serious legal implications for nursing homes. In Illinois, nursing homes are required by law to provide adequate medical care and supervision to their residents. This includes responding promptly to medical emergencies and ensuring that residents receive necessary medical attention in a timely manner. When nursing homes fail to do so, they may be held liable for any harm that results.

1. Negligence and Medical Malpractice

Delays in calling for medical help can be considered negligence, especially if the delay directly contributes to the resident’s injury or death. For example, if a nursing home staff member fails to call 911 during a heart attack or does not contact a physician when a resident shows signs of sepsis, the nursing home may be held liable for any resulting harm.

In cases of medical malpractice, families may be able to pursue legal action against the nursing home for failing to meet the standard of care required to protect residents. Compensation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, wrongful death damages if the resident dies as a result of the delay.

2. Violation of State Regulations

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act mandates that nursing homes provide timely medical care to residents and respond appropriately to emergencies. Failing to contact a physician or dial 911 when a resident is in distress can result in regulatory violations, fines, and legal penalties for the facility. Nursing homes that fail to comply with state regulations may also face investigations by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and other governing bodies.

How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how devastating it can be when a loved one suffers harm due to delays in medical care in a nursing home. Our Illinois personal injury firm is dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable for their failure to provide prompt and appropriate care to residents.

If your loved one has been injured or died due to a nursing home’s failure to call a physician or 911 in a timely manner, our dedicated Illinois nursing home negligence attorneys can help you seek justice. We will work with you to investigate the circumstances surrounding the delay, gather evidence, and pursue legal action against the responsible parties. We will fight to ensure that your family receives the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

If you suspect that your loved one has been harmed due to delayed medical care in an Illinois nursing home, don’t wait to take action. Contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we are here to help families throughout Illinois hold negligent nursing homes accountable.