However, many people report being unsure of knowing when an ambulance is necessary. Calling an ambulance when you don’t need one could tie up the lifesaving service when it is needed for another patient.
Here are some general guidelines for knowing when to call an ambulance:
- The condition is life threatening
- Moving the victim could cause further injury
- Skills or equipment used by paramedics is needed
- The condition could worsen to the point of being life threatening in the time it takes to get to the hospital in a car
If you are unsure whether or not an ambulance is needed, it might be best to ask a dispatcher. In some cases, paramedics may arrive to evaluate the situation and then inform you that transport to the hospital is not needed. Common reasons to call an ambulance include difficulty breathing, fainting, chest pain or pressure, sudden and severe pain, persistent vomiting, and unstoppable bleeding.
When Not to Call
You can avoid calling an ambulance for other instances, and instead transport the victim to the hospital. For example, a woman in the early stages of labor does not need an ambulance. And if you cut your hand with a knife while cooking, but it is not bleeding heavily, you can skip the ambulance ride and still receive medical attention.
Giving Information
You can help the dispatcher and the medical technicians by providing all of the necessary information when you call for an ambulance. In addition to your name and location, be sure to describe the nature of the medical emergency as clearly as you can. It is important to stay calm and to remain on the line in case the dispatcher has any questions.