1. There are certain situations that Chazal defined as automatically being cases of pikuach nefesh, in which Shabbat may be violated (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 328:3). These include internal wounds or unidentified severe internal pains, as well as some others that will be discussed in the coming days. Among modern poskim, examples of internal wounds in this category include acute (sudden) or chronic (long term) illness affecting the heart, kidney, liver, lung, or stomach, which are automatically considered pikuach nefesh, unless it is known otherwise. Thus, severe acute pain from these or other internal organs is sufficient grounds for the patient to travel to the hospital immediately (R. Bodner, Halachos of Refuah on Shabbos, p.100).

2. In cases where one regularly takes medication for one of these illnesses, one should confer with the doctor concerning the Shabbat ramifications of each, especially if situations arise that would require violating Shabbat to obtain it (ibid.).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.