Emergency medical care is vital for saving lives and preventing serious health complications. However, not every situation warrants calling an ambulance. This article outlines key indications for calling urgent services to help you quickly assess the severity of a situation and take the right action.
1. What Is Urgent Medical Care?
Urgent care involves immediate measures taken to save lives or prevent irreversible health damage. It is provided by qualified medical professionals and includes:
- Diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions.
- Transportation of patients to the hospital if needed.
- Telephone guidance until the emergency team arrives.
Data: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 50% of deaths could be prevented with timely urgent care.
2. When Should You Call an Ambulance Immediately?
Here are key situations where calling emergency services is mandatory:
2.1. Heart Symptoms
- Severe chest pain that may radiate to the shoulder, neck, back, or jaw.
- A feeling of pressure or squeezing in the chest.
- Severe weakness, shortness of breath, or fainting.
These symptoms may indicate a heart attack, which requires immediate medical intervention.
2.2. Stroke
- Facial asymmetry (e.g., one side drooping).
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
- Slurred speech, confusion, or inability to speak.
The FAST rule (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) helps identify stroke symptoms quickly.
2.3. Trauma
- Severe bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure.
- Open fractures or visible limb deformities.
- Head injuries with loss of consciousness, nausea, or vomiting.
2.4. Loss of Consciousness
If someone becomes unresponsive and doesn’t react to external stimuli, this could indicate:
- Cardiogenic shock.
- Serious head injury.
- Intoxication.
2.5. Severe Allergic Reactions
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Extensive hives.
These are signs of anaphylaxis, which requires immediate administration of epinephrine.
2.6. Breathing Difficulties
- A feeling of choking or inability to breathe.
- Severe shortness of breath, even at rest.
- Blue lips or nails.
Possible causes include asthma, heart failure, or pneumonia.
2.7. Seizures
Call for help if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or recurs. Seek emergency care if:
- This is the first seizure.
- The seizure occurred after a head injury.
3. Special Considerations for Children
Children’s symptoms require special attention. Emergency care is necessary if:
- They have a high fever (above 39°C/102.2°F) accompanied by seizures.
- There is difficulty breathing or refusal to eat or drink.
- A sudden rash appears, especially with fever.
Source: The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that children under five are more vulnerable to infections and injuries requiring urgent care.
4. What to Do Before Emergency Services Arrive: A Detailed Guide
Waiting for emergency services to arrive can be a critical time where your actions can save a life or prevent further complications. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to act in various situations.
4.1. General Principles Before Emergency Help Arrives
- Stay calm. Panic can hinder effective action. Speak and act confidently.
- Assess the situation. Ensure the scene is safe (no fire, gas leaks, structural collapse, etc.).
- Call emergency services. Clearly and briefly explain what happened, your location, and the patient’s condition.
- Provide first aid. Begin actions based on the patient’s symptoms (detailed instructions below).
- Do not leave the patient alone. Maintain contact, reassure them, and monitor their condition.
4.2. If the Patient Is Unconscious
- Check for a response.
- Gently shake their shoulder or address them in a loud voice.
- If there is no response, proceed to the next step.
- Assess breathing.
- Look for chest movements.
- Listen for breathing sounds or feel for air movement by placing your cheek near their nose.
- If breathing is absent or abnormal (gasping, rare), start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Place one hand in the center of the chest and the other hand on top.
- Perform compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute, pressing 5–6 cm deep.
- If trained, alternate 30 compressions with 2 rescue breaths.
4.3. If There Is Severe Bleeding
- Stop the bleeding.
- Apply firm pressure on the wound using a clean cloth or bandage.
- If the cloth soaks through with blood, do not remove it; add another layer on top.
- Elevate the injured limb above heart level.
- Use a tourniquet (if necessary).
- Apply the tourniquet above the wound for arterial bleeding (bright red blood spurting).
- Record the time of application and keep it visible.
4.4. If the Patient Shows Stroke Symptoms
- Apply the FAST rule:
- Face: Ask them to smile; one side of the face may droop.
- Arms: Ask them to raise both arms; one may drift downward.
- Speech: Check for slurred or confused speech.
- Time: Call emergency services immediately and note the time symptoms started.
- Lay the patient down.
- Position them on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
- Do not give food or drinks.
- This can worsen the situation if swallowing is impaired.
4.5. If the Patient Has an Allergic Reaction
- Recognize the symptoms.
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, and hives indicate anaphylaxis.
- Administer an epinephrine auto-injector.
- If the patient has one (e.g., EpiPen), inject it into the outer thigh.
- Ensure a comfortable position.
- Help the person sit up to ease breathing.
- Monitor their breathing.
- If breathing stops, begin CPR.
4.6. If the Patient Is Having a Seizure
- Ensure safety.
- Remove objects that could cause injury.
- Do not hold the person down forcefully.
- Support the head.
- Place a soft object (clothing or a towel) under their head.
- After the seizure.
- Turn the patient onto their side (recovery position).
- Ensure normal breathing resumes.
- When to seek help.
- The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
- This is the first seizure.
- The person does not regain consciousness.
4.7. If There Are Breathing Difficulties
- Assess symptoms.
- Bluish lips or skin, severe shortness of breath, and inability to speak are signs of respiratory distress.
- Assist with medication.
- If the patient has asthma, help them use their inhaler.
- Ensure airflow.
- Loosen tight clothing and open windows for fresh air.
4.8. What Not to Do
- Do not give medications unless you are sure.
- Exception: Known prescribed drugs for the patient (e.g., epinephrine for anaphylaxis).
- Do not leave the patient alone.
- Even if the condition seems stable, wait for emergency services.
- Do not move someone with a suspected spinal injury.
4.9. Tips for Enhancing First Aid Effectiveness
- Keep a first aid kit accessible.
- Ensure it contains bandages, tourniquets, antiseptics, gloves, and other essentials.
- Learn CPR.
- Attend first aid courses to confidently apply these skills in emergencies.
- Use mobile apps.
- Apps like “Help Nearby” or “112” can expedite emergency calls and provide instructions.
5. When Should You See a General Practitioner Instead?
Not all symptoms require emergency intervention. Contact a general practitioner if:
- Symptoms are mild and not life-threatening (e.g., a mild cough or headache).
- There are no signs of worsening.
6. How to Improve Access to Urgent Care
- Keep emergency service numbers visible in your home.
- Consider using mobile apps for quick emergency calls.
- Ensure your first aid kit is stocked with necessary supplies.
Conclusion
Knowing what to do before emergency services arrive can save a life and minimize complications. Follow these steps, stay calm, and provide necessary care to the patient while waiting for professional help.
Knowing when to call for emergency help can save lives. Don’t hesitate to act in critical situations, as timely medical intervention significantly increases the chances of recovery.
Sources for Verification:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Guidelines on Emergency Medical Services. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
First Aid and Emergency Response Guidelines. - American Heart Association (AHA)
CPR & First Aid Science. - National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Recognizing and Responding to Medical Emergencies. - European Resuscitation Council (ERC)
Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). - National Health Service (NHS), UK
Emergency Services and First Aid Advice. - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
First Aid Guidelines for Families and Communities. - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Emergency Response Recommendations for Children. - Journal of Emergency Medicine
Best Practices in Prehospital Emergency Care. - Harvard Medical School
First Aid and Emergency Preparedness.
