What defines a "medical emergency"?

A medical emergency is characterized by an unexpected event that necessitates immediate first aid and subsequent medical attention. This definition encompasses situations where a person's health is at risk or where a condition could deteriorate rapidly if not addressed promptly. Examples may include severe allergic reactions, heart attacks, strokes, or major injuries.

In contrast, a routine health check-up refers to preventive care and monitoring of a person’s health, which does not fall under the category of emergencies. Planned surgeries are scheduled procedures and not emergencies since they are known in advance and typically do not require immediate response. Likewise, minor injuries usually do not require immediate medical intervention and can often be managed with basic first aid measures. Therefore, option B accurately describes the nature of a medical emergency, highlighting its urgent and unpredictable nature.