During a mental health first aid course, I remember being told those mistakes can (admittedly rarely) happen in the other direction too. ie someone thinking they were having a panic attack actually having a heart attack instead.
The advice was to go call an ambulance anyway for someone having a serious panic attack. But for what it's worth, that advice was given somewhere where calling ambulances won't cost you.
I experienced this personally about 3 years. I had a panic attack so bad I didn't understand what was happening. Cue 3AM ambulance ride to the ER and all that. What was crazy was that when they did the tests in the ER, the main biomarker they look for a heart attack was mildly elevated. Higher than you'd like. But - barely - in the diagnostic range. Three days later, after a battery starting at ECG, and continuing through a full stress test and heart cath I was given a clean bill of health and sent home.
Indeed, while not cannabis related, I visited the ER once due to a panic attack (which I did't know at the time). My combination of high heart rate, mild abdominal pain, and a low grade fever triggered their sepsis protocol. This constellation of symptoms caused me to spiral more and eventually I was discharged with nothing more than some chill pills and constipation.
Some consequences of illegal substances are things like "lack of standard dosage" and "lack of consumer education."
Someone who has never taken cannabis before, accidentally not realizing they've consumed too much, not knowing how to handle it, and wondering if they're okay, and calling 911 or going to the ER, is not an unfamiliar story.
throwanem|2 years ago
antod|2 years ago
The advice was to go call an ambulance anyway for someone having a serious panic attack. But for what it's worth, that advice was given somewhere where calling ambulances won't cost you.
TylerE|2 years ago
smokracek|2 years ago
maxbond|2 years ago
Just some guesses.
steveklabnik|2 years ago
Someone who has never taken cannabis before, accidentally not realizing they've consumed too much, not knowing how to handle it, and wondering if they're okay, and calling 911 or going to the ER, is not an unfamiliar story.
TrackerFF|2 years ago
- psychosis
- green out/being absolutely ripped, and found by others, who in turn will take you to the ER.