Do you know when you need to call an ambulance or when you can drive or take your loved one in a cab? Dr. Shital Raval talks us through the decision criteria of making the right choice.
During a medical crisis, getting immediate medical help is critical! In cases of emergencies, often it may seem that driving to the hospital may be faster than calling an ambulance. Although this may be true, let’s examine the reasons why and when, calling an ambulance is the best choice.
When to call the ambulance:
- For minor situations like an injury, cut etc., you may head to the ER if it is night-time or after-hours at your doctor’s office.
- If you yourself are too shocked, hurt or in distress to drive, best to find your phone and call for the emergency helpline instead.
- If you are thinking of calling a taxi or Uber, check how long the taxi will take to reach you. If the ambulance can get you to the hospital quicker, opt for it.
- Assess if the victim is in a true medical emergency such as a road accident, cardiac arrest etc. The American College of Emergency Physicians suggest you ask yourself these questions:
- Does the condition seem life-threatening?
- Could it get worse or life-threatening on the way to the hospital?
- Would moving the victim cause further injury?
- Will traffic hamper the time to get to the hospital?
- Does the victim need the skills or equipment of paramedics?
If your answer is YES to any of these questions, do not hesitate to call for the ambulance right away. An ambulance is often the fastest way to get the victim to the hospital. Also paramedics on the ambulance can start medical treatment on the way to the hospital and also alert the ER staff about the arrival and status of the patient. Most ambulances are equipped with oxygen cylinders, basic first aid kit and even defibrillators. This can help expedite the process and come to be the difference between life and death for a critical patient.
What is a Medical Emergency?
One of the things that many people need to do is recognize a true emergency from a minor medical problem. Here are some warning signs to look for in a medical emergency:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Blood saturation level (check using a pulse oximeter) drops below 95%, especially for Covid-19
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen lasting more than 2-3 minutes
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Sudden dizziness or weakness
- Change, double or loss of vision
- Speaking difficulties
- Change in mental status such as confusion, unusual behavior, memory loss etc.
- Bleeding that does not stop even after 10 minutes.
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Uncontrolled seizure attack
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
- Severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock.
After calling for an ambulance, you may even call your regular family doctor and inform him of the situation. A clear list of emergency numbers should be printed and posted on your refrigerator or home phone for easy access. This list should include numbers of the closest hospital, your general physician, specialist doctors if any, 24-hour drug store, poison control, fire and police department. It also helps to know basic life support techniques such as First-aid or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) till the ambulance arrives.
Read: How Can I Help Someone Having A Stroke
Stay calm and waiting patiently with the victim till the ambulance arrives. If available, gather the patient’s medical file and medications or list or medications, which can be taken along with the patient.
Related Reading: Hospital Bag Packing List
