Diagnosis and treatment of injury have improved dramatically over the years, and injuries that once were fatal, are now much more likely to be survivable. Even still, some injuries can result in long lasting complications, which can require ongoing, and sometimes life-long medical care. How an injury is treated depends on the severity and type of injury, and in the event of a serious or severe injury, calling 911 or using basic life-support measures can save a life. Serious injury can be life-threatening or result in permanent disability. If any of the following signs are visible following an injury, immediate and urgent medical care is necessary: - Visible physical deformity - Heavy bleeding - Broken bones - Injury to the head, confusion, loss of consciousness - Large burns - Severe pain - Weak pulse - Rapid or absent heartbeat - Blood in stool or vomit - Pale or blue lips - Chest pain or pressure - Neck or back injury - Seizure