Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a coordinated system designed to provide immediate medical care to those experiencing sudden illness or injury. This system includes dispatchers, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who stabilize patients and transport them to definitive care facilities. Understanding how to interact with this system is paramount, as a clear and timely call for help can significantly influence the outcome of a medical crisis.
When to Activate Emergency Services
The decision to activate emergency services should be based on the severity of the patient’s condition. Any sudden, severe chest pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, or back, especially if accompanied by sweating or shortness of breath, warrants an immediate call for help, as these are classic signs of a heart attack. Sudden difficulty breathing, particularly when the person cannot speak a full sentence without pausing for air, is also a clear indication that professional medical intervention is necessary.
Neurological changes also demand an immediate EMS response. These include the sudden onset of confusion, severe headache, slurred speech, or weakness/numbness in the face, arm, or leg, which are common indicators of a stroke. Other life-threatening situations involve uncontrolled bleeding that cannot be stopped with direct pressure, a sudden loss of consciousness, or a seizure lasting longer than five minutes or occurring without prior history.
Critical Information to Relay to the Dispatcher
Dial the correct emergency number for your location (e.g., 911 in the US/Canada, 112 in the EU, or 000 in Australia). Once connected, immediately state your exact location, including the address, apartment or suite numbers, and any nearby cross streets or landmarks. Dispatchers are highly trained to guide the conversation and will ask a series of questions to determine the appropriate response, so remain calm and speak clearly.
Clearly describe the nature of the emergency, explaining what happened and the patient’s current condition (e.g., conscious, breathing, or bleeding). Providing details like the patient’s approximate age and gender helps the responding crew anticipate potential medical issues. The dispatcher may provide “pre-arrival instructions,” which are simple, potentially life-saving actions like performing chest compressions or applying pressure to a wound until help arrives.
Do not hang up until the dispatcher explicitly tells you to do so, as they may be using the remaining time to relay critical, real-time information to the responding units. If the call is disconnected, the dispatcher will attempt to call you back, making it helpful to provide your phone number at the beginning of the call. Answering the dispatcher’s questions does not delay the dispatch of help, as units are often sent while the information-gathering process continues.
Preparing for Emergency Personnel Arrival
Once the call is complete, take immediate action to prepare the scene for the arrival of emergency personnel. Ensure quick access to the patient by unlocking all doors, gates, and security entrances. If the emergency is occurring at night, turning on outside lights can help the EMS crew quickly identify the correct location.
A designated person should be prepared to meet the emergency responders at the entrance of the building or property to guide them directly to the patient without delay. This is particularly helpful in large complexes or buildings with complex layouts. If there are pets in the home, especially dogs, they should be secured in a separate room to prevent them from interfering with the medical personnel.
Gathering Patient Information
Gathering essential patient information while waiting can significantly speed up the assessment and treatment process upon arrival. This preparation includes collecting a list of all current medications, any known allergies, and relevant medical history or conditions. Having insurance information or a picture identification card ready is also helpful, though medical care will be provided regardless of this documentation.