Ambulance Emergencies

Know when it is an emergency

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether your problem is serious or not. Here are just a few examples* of when you require emergency medical care - and you should call 911 or go to an Emergency Room at the local hospital.

• When you are experiencing pains or tightness in the chest
• When you have severe pain
• When you have shortness of breath
• When a person is choking or having difficuly breathing
• When you think you may have fractured or broken a bone, or have a wound that may need stitches
• When you have sudden, sever headaches, vision problems, sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, or dizziness
• If your child has diarrhea and vomiting and won't eat or drink
• When a baby under six month has a fever over 101*F

*If you have any doubts, call 911. The ambulance will take you to the appropriate Emergency Room.

Remember:

• the ambulance can't help you if they can't find you
• STAY CALM - give clear information
• clear a path to the patient - move furniture, unlock doors
• if possible have someone meet the ambulance
• be sure your house number is clearly visible from the street
• if you live in a house - turn on the outside lights at night
• if you live in an apartment - try to meet the ambulance at the lobby door and have the elevator ready.

DO NOT move the patient, UNLESS life is threatened.

What to do

Be prepared to answer the following questions related to the patients condition:

• consciousness
• breathing
• bleeding

Dial 911 for medical emergencies. Be sure to state your name, address of the emergency and phone number from where you are calling.

EMS Saftey