Some people are scared to call for an ambulance because they are uncertain whether their medical condition or illness classifies as a medical emergency. Phoning a doctor for advice is an excellent place to begin, but doctors aren’t always available and most will end up telling their patients to phone the emergency services anyway.
There are particular conditions or illnesses that should not wait for a call back from your doctor. These medical illnesses are time sensitive — waiting too long could have severe problems and may result in death if not treated immediately. Furthermore, there are procedures in place to ease the move from the ambulance to the emergency room. However, a family doctor will possibly not have the tools required to treat severe illnesses in their office.
If you or someone else is experiencing any of the following conditions, phone for an ambulance immediately:
- Anaphylaxis
- Diarrhea and feeling weak
- Chest pain (might be a heart attack)
- Unconsciousness (unresponsive casualty)
- Confused
- Overdose from drugs
- Sunstroke
- Breathing difficulty
- Unexpected slurred speech
- Stroke
- Unexpected loss of sight (might be a symptom caused by a stroke)
- Uncontrolled nosebleed
- Vomiting blood
- Frail
- Severe Burns
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Shock (often a symptom from severe blood loss)
- Fractured bones noticeable through an open wound
- Fractured leg
This is definitely not a complete list, but these are some of the most important conditions that require immediate medical assistance. It’s vital to realize that emergencies are defined by the casualty; if you believe that you are experiencing a medical emergency, phone for an ambulance right away.
Questions To Think About Before Calling For An Ambulance
- Is the individual’s condition life threatening or are you uncertain if it could be?
- Is it possible the individual’s condition will deteriorate and become life-threatening on the way to the emergency room?
- Could moving the individual cause further risk or harm?
- Does the individual require the skills or apparatus of paramedics?
- Would it be too far to travel or will traffic conditions pose a hindrance in getting the individual to the emergency room?
If your response was “yes” to any of the above-mentioned questions or if you are hesitant – then you should phone the ambulance service. Sometimes you can get a casualty to the hospital quicker than an ambulance, even though phoning an ambulance is the best option.
Medical technicians can begin treatment straight away upon arriving on the scene and can apply life-saving strategies during the trip to the emergency room. They can also give the hospital details on the casualty’s situation during the route, therefore offering the hospital time to get ready for your arrival.