Calling For an Ambulance

*When Should I Call?
"Too much too soon IS better than too little too late" is an adage that aptly applies to calls for emergency help. Critical time is lost when the call for help is delayed due to indecision regarding the seriousness of the situation.

Act promptly, but not hastily.

Call for medical help - Dial 911 - immediately or have someone else do it.

*Unconsciousness...
Can be the result of injuries, sudden illnesses or even simple fainting. It is in the patient's best interest to have help on the way rather than delay the call hoping for the patient's quick recovery.

*Breathing Difficulties...
If a person has difficulty breathing due to choking, heart attack, illness, etc. a prompt call should be made. If breathing stops, that person can die in 4 to 6 minutes. Start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Learn this method now-before an emergency arises. Take one of the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) courses regularly scheduled in this community by Irondequoit Ambulance. Be prepared!

*Serious Bleeding...
Spurting, freely flowing, or bleeding that can not be controlled by simple, direct hand pressure will probably require the attention of an emergency crew. Cuts that result in the loss of normal movement also require prompt emergency attention.

*Poisoning...
Call for medical help - but do not wait to start first aid! If the poison container is nearby, save the container and call 911.

*Burns...
Result from heat (thermal) or chemicals. For small thermal burns, if skin is unbroken, place burned area in cool water. Cover large burns with plain. clean cloth. For chemical burns, flush with water. All except minor burns need medical attention to prevent shock or infection.

*Fractures...
If an accident victim can not move, has numbness, swelling, pain or deformities, keep him still and call for help. Ambulance crews carry specially designed fracture equipment that allows for the safe and comfortable transfer of the patient.

*Heart Attack...
Is the number one killer of adults over the age of 38. Many heart attack victims die needlessly because they do not get help in time.
        
                     • Warning signs include:

                          1. Severe squeezing pains in the chest
                          2. Pain that radiates from the chest into either the arm, the neck, or jaw
                          3. Sweating and weakness, nausea or vomiting
                          4. Pain that extends across the shoulders to the back

                    • If the victim is experiencing any of these sensations, take no chances. Call
                       for emergency help at once.

                     Call 911- Keep the patient calm and comfortable.

*Look for Shock...
Face drained of color, skin cold and moist. rapid, weak pulse, and fainting. Cover victim with a blanket or clothing, make him lie down, unless doing so will make other injuries worse, and try to calm him. Call 911.

* Stroke Warning Signs...
(© 2008 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved.) If you notice one or more of these signs, call 911. Stroke is a medical emergency. Get to a hospital right away! The American Stroke Association wants you to learn the warning signs of stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, sever headache with no known cause

*Handle with Care...
A person with suspected neck or back injuries should not be moved until an ambulance, rescue personnel, or experienced person is on the scene. If you must move the victim because his life may be in danger, use a stretcher or make one with blankets, a board, or a ladder padded with clothing. Usually, it is best to wait for the ambulance.

*Additional Areas of Concern...
An ambulance may also be required for sudden onset of severe pain, loss of motion, allergic reactions affecting the chest, face and mouth, in mental health cases, and where patients need the comfort and care provided by an ambulance crew.

*Call Your Physician. . .
For further advice if you have special concern about calling for an ambulance.

*Should you transport in your own car?
Never in a serious emergency. If the patient becomes worse en route, you become held up in traffic or you have an accident, you will be doing the patient more harm than good.

*Don't Delay...
Call for help as soon as possible. ;The ambulance crew will depart if not needed.