When to Call an Ambulance
Recognizing Emergencies
How do you tell the difference between a true
emergency and a minor problem? Certain symptoms are so alarming that the need
for emergency care-or even an ambulance-is obvious. But what should you do about
more common illnesses and injuries?
Only a doctor can diagnose medical problems. But,
you can protect your family's health by learning to recognize certain symptoms.
Know which symptoms to watch for. According to
the American College of Emergency Physicians, the following are warning signs of
a medical emergency:
| Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
| Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
| Fainting
| Sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision
| Change in mental status (such as unusual
behavior, confusion, difficulty arousing)
| Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
| Bleeding that won't stop
| Severe or persistent vomiting
| Coughing up or vomiting blood
| Suicidal feelings | |
You should also be familiar with the symptoms of
common illnesses and injuries.
Talk to your regular doctor before you
have an emergency. Ask what you should do if you think someone in your family
needs emergency care. Should you call the doctor's office first? Should you go
straight to the emergency department? What should you do when the doctor's
office is closed?
Trust your instincts. Parents are usually very
good at recognizing signs of unusual behavior or other symptoms that indicate an
emergency. Many other factors, including the time of day, other medical
problems, or state of mind, can make an otherwise minor medical problem an
"emergency."
When to Call an Ambulance
When should you call an ambulance instead of
driving to the emergency department? Ask yourself the following questions:
| Is the victim's condition lifethreatening? | ||||||
| Could the victim's condition worsen and become
lifethreatening on the way to the hospital?
| Could moving the victim cause further injury?
| Does the victim need the skills or equipment
of paramedics or emergency medical technicians?
| Would distance or traffic conditions cause a
delay in getting the victim to the hospital? | |
If the answer to any of these questions is
"yes," or if you are unsure, it's best to call an ambulance. This is
true even though you can sometimes get to the hospital faster by driving than by
calling an ambulance. Paramedics and emergency medical technicians communicate
with the physician in the emergency department by radio. They are trained to
begin medical treatment on the way to the hospital. This prevents any delay that
could occur if the patient is driven to the emergency department. The ambulance
can also alert the emergency department of the patient's condition in advance.
Fortunately, if you live in Windham or Cheshire
County, calling for help is easy. Just dial 9-1-1. When your call is answered,
speak calmly and clearly. Give your name, the address, phone number, location of
victim (such as upstairs in the bedroom), and nature of the problem. Don't hang
up until the dispatcher tells you to. They may need additional information or
need to give you instructions.
Material provided by the American
College Of Emergency Physicians.