These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Call 911 for these danger signs
Call 911 for trouble breathing, double or blurry vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, trouble swallowing or weakness. These can be signs of botulism.
Also call 911 if they are confused, pass out, or have bloody vomit or poop with weakness.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
If they ate wild mushrooms or plants, call poison control right away, even if they feel fine.
New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center (UNM)
Poison control
800-222-1222
· 24/7
2Prevent dehydration
Throwing up and diarrhea dry the body out fast, especially in heat or at high altitude.
Give small sips of safe water often. An oral rehydration drink like Pedialyte is best.
See the guide "Severe vomiting or diarrhea (dehydration)".
3Get care if it doesn't get better
See a doctor if diarrhea lasts more than 2 or 3 days, or there is a high fever or blood in the poop.
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Call4Health: After-hours nurse advice line
855-742-3400
· After hours
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Tranquil Skies Community Health Center: Same-day medical appointments
575-388-4412
1318 E 32nd St, Silver City · Medical Tue-Fri 7am-5pm; BH Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1)
Silver Health CARE
Urgent care (walk-in)
575-538-2981
1600 E 32nd St, Silver City · Urgent care Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm (closed Sun-Mon); clinic Mon-Fri 8-5
4Make water safe
Never drink from a creek, spring, stock tank or puddle without treating it, even if it looks clear.
Best: bring the water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute. Above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes. Much of the Gila is above 6,500 feet. When in doubt, boil 3 minutes.
A camping water filter or disinfection tablets also work. Follow the package directions.
5Keep food safe
Keep cold food cold. Throw out meat, eggs, dairy or cooked food left warm more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in hot weather.
Cook meat all the way through. Keep raw meat away from other food.
Throw out cans that bulge, leak or spray when opened.
Wash hands with soap and safe water before eating. Hand gel helps when there is no water.
At the Gospel MissionThe soup kitchen serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and the food pantry has shelf-stable food.
6After the emergency
If they need camping gear or a safer place to stay, see the guide "Sleeping outside and needs gear (tent, sleeping bag, blankets)".
More help like this
Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake upUse when someone falls down and won't respond, isn't breathing normally, is only gasping, or is found unconscious on the ground, in a doorway or in a car.Someone is bleeding badlyUse when someone has a deep cut, stab or gunshot wound, or blood is spurting, pooling or soaking through clothes or bandages.Sick, out of medicine, or has no doctor or insuranceUse when someone is sick or hurt, has run out of medicine, or has no doctor or health insurance.Someone is chokingUse when someone can't breathe, talk or cough because food or something is stuck in their throat, or is holding their throat. Includes babies and children.Leaving the hospital with nowhere to goUse when someone is being discharged from the hospital or a treatment program and has no home or no one to care for them.Someone may be having a stroke or heart attackUse when someone suddenly has a drooping face, a weak arm, trouble speaking, or chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or cold sweat.
See all guides in Emergency and first aid →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.