When should I call an emergency medical services (EMS) ambulance?

When to Call an Ambulance (Emergency Medical Services)

You should call an ambulance immediately for any life-threatening emergency, signs of stroke or heart attack, severe injuries, or any situation where delayed medical care could result in death or permanent disability.

Life-Threatening Emergencies Requiring Immediate EMS Activation

Cardiac Emergencies

• Chest pain or discomfort that could indicate a heart attack
• Irregular heartbeat with symptoms like dizziness or fainting
• Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness 1

Stroke Symptoms (FAST)

• Facial drooping (one side of face droops or is numb)
• Arm weakness (one arm drifts downward when both are raised)
• Speech difficulties (slurred speech, inability to speak, or difficulty understanding speech)
• Time to call EMS immediately 1, 2

Breathing Problems

• Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Choking that doesn't resolve with basic first aid
• Severe allergic reaction with swelling, hives, and breathing difficulty 1

Trauma and Injuries

• Severe bleeding that doesn't stop with direct pressure
• Suspected spinal injuries (do not move the person, await EMS arrival) 1
• Major burns (involving face, hands, feet, genitals, or covering large body areas) 1
• Suspected fractures with deformity, severe pain, or open wounds 1

Other Critical Situations

• Drowning or near-drowning 1
• Poisoning or drug overdose 1
• Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or repeated seizures
• Severe pain that comes on suddenly, especially in the abdomen or head

When to Consider Alternative Transportation

For non-life-threatening situations, alternative transportation may be appropriate:

• Minor injuries with controlled bleeding
• Mild illnesses with stable vital signs
• Situations where delay in care won't affect outcomes

Special Considerations

For Stroke Patients

EMS dispatchers should be trained to recognize stroke symptoms and rapidly dispatch emergency responders. EMS personnel can perform out-of-hospital stroke assessment, establish time of symptom onset, and notify the receiving hospital that a stroke patient is being transported 1. This pre-notification allows hospitals to prepare for immediate treatment upon arrival.

For Heart Attack Patients

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, call EMS immediately rather than trying to transport the person yourself 1. While waiting for EMS, if the person has no history of aspirin allergy and no evidence of recent bleeding, they may take aspirin (160-325 mg) 1.

For Children and Infants

Call EMS immediately for:

• Any significant difficulty breathing
• Unresponsiveness or altered mental status
• Seizures
• Severe dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, no wet diapers)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Delaying the call: Many people wait too long to call EMS, hoping symptoms will improve. For conditions like stroke and heart attack, every minute counts 1, 2.

2. Driving yourself or the patient: This can be dangerous if the condition worsens during transport. EMS providers can begin treatment immediately and safely transport while providing care 1.

3. Not providing enough information: When calling EMS, be prepared to clearly state:

   • The nature of the emergency
   • Exact location (address, landmarks)
   • Patient's condition and any changes
   • Your callback number

4. Moving injured persons: For suspected spinal injuries, do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger. Wait for EMS providers who have proper equipment and training 1.

Remember that EMS systems are designed to provide rapid assessment, stabilization, and transport to appropriate medical facilities. Early activation of EMS for serious conditions can significantly improve outcomes and save lives 1.