Calling For An Ambulance

There comes a point in most people's lives where they will witness an accident or sudden illness and may be required to call the emergency services. Remember they are there to help and getting the correct information to them could prove the difference between life and death.

What Conditions

Ambulances are often called out for a variety of reasons some of which are not life threatening and could put other people's lives at risk. The below conditions will require someone to dial 999.

• Unconsciousness
• Non breathing casualty
• Major trauma i.e road traffic accident 
• Fall from height
• Serious head injury
• Major bleeding that cannot be stopped
• Central chest pain that is getting worse
• Allergic reactions where someone cannot breathe
• Seizure like episodes which will not stop

Making the Call

Calling 999 can be a daunting proposition but it need not be as they are there to help. It is worth remembering just a few key points of information:

• Where exactly are you? (then you can easily be found).
• What is your phone number?
• What has happened? E.g a man is having a heart attack

The man in the above scenario may of been saved just by spotting the symptoms and giving the emergency services the correct information. Remember not to hang up at this point as they may have additional questions.

First Aid Whilst you Wait

Sometimes it may be necessary to attempt to try and promote a recovery whilst awaiting the arrival of the emergency services. Remember the below four step priorities of treatment:

1. Breathing - deliver CPR to non breathing casualties
2. Major bleeding - stem the flow of blood with pressure
3. Broken bones - immobilize the casualty
4. Other conditions - reassure and monitor breathing until help arrives

Don't be afraid to deliver first aid and do not fall into the trap of believing you will be prosecuted. Without any help in the time gap between the accident and ambulance arrival the casualty may not survive. Just do your best, and consider a first aid training course to improve your confidence in these situations.