How to Have a Smooth Running Emergency:
Tips and Hints for the Potential Ambulance Rider.

When it becomes necessary to call an ambulance because of an injury or illness to a loved one, the emotional stress and anxiety at the time can seem overwhelming. One way to reduce this stress is to have a plan of action in case of emergency and know what to expect when you dial 911.

The first thing to do is learn how to contact you local emergency personnel. Almost everyone is familiar with the 911 system and knows to call that number in case of emergency. It is a good idea to teach your children how to call 911 also, as it may be you who are injured. If you do teach your children about 911, you must also make it clear to them that this number is for emergencies only. If you are having problems making this clear or are unsure of how to describe when to use the system to your children take them up to the local fire station and have the fire personnel do the education. At the fire station they get to meet some of the fire personnel and see the equipment up close in a non-threatening, relaxed situation.

When calling 911 a few things should be kept in mind. If you are calling from your home phone the dispatcher probably has your home address and phone number already, it appears on a video screen at the dispatch center. In some areas of the country this is not true so you need to make sure the dispatcher knows where you are located. Also, if you are calling from your cell phone you will need to supply the dispatcher with your location, currently no address appears when a cell phone is used for a 911 call.

Now that you know how to get the rescue crew to where they are needed, let’s turn our attention to what type of information they will require. This is something you can prepare ahead of time. If you are a care giver for an elderly adult or have children with allergies to medications, history of allergic reactions to bee stings, shell fish, peanuts etc., or some other preexisting medical condition, this is all great information to have typed up and ready for the paramedics. List the types of medication they are taking and why they take it. Add a section for contact numbers include cell phone, pager and any other that apply and donít forget contact information for relatives incase you can’t be reached. Next list the patients age, date of birth and doctor. Another very important thing to note is the day the list was created so you can update it on a regular basis and the paramedics know if the information is current. Another excellent use of this type of information sheet is for babysitters who may not be completely familiar with the child’s health history.

Preparing yourself for an emergency reduces your stress if the unthinkable should happen and insures that you will be able to give the most beneficial, complete information when seconds count.