Emergency Situations EMT’s
Have you ever been in a situation where you were not sure if you should call an ambulance or not? You knew the situation wasn’t ideal but also didn’t want to necessarily call an EMT.
In a moment of panic, it can be difficult to determine the best plan of action. By reading this article and knowing when you should be calling an ambulance, you’ll have clear steps in an emergency situation. Here are 10 situations where an EMT must respond to your call.
1. Someone Is Struggling to Breathe
If someone you know is struggling to breathe, it’s best to call an ambulance. At that moment, you don’t know if the situation will get better or take a turn for the worse. And it’s best not to wait to find out.
You may be wondering how you would even pay for such a service. EMS medical billing can take care of all of that for you so you don’t have to worry about any of it in the moment of the emergency.
Struggling to breathe can look a few different ways:
- Gasping for air
- Sucking in the ribs and using other muscles to help themselves breathe
- Chest pain when breathing
These signs should alert you to call an EMT right away.
2. Severe Allergic Reaction
There is a huge difference between an allergic reaction and a severe allergic reaction. If a person’s hand swells a bit from a bee sting, there’s no need to call an ambulance.
But if you notice there is difficulty breathing because their throat is closing, their lips are swelling, they’re breaking out in hives, or are unable to communicate with you, immediately administer an autoinjector if they have one. Once you do that, call an ambulance.
3. Intense Loss of Blood
If a person is losing a lot of blood and the bleeding is not stopping, this can be a life-threatening emergency. If this occurs, it’s time to call an EMT to come help with the situation.
While you are waiting, it’s also important to try using first aid to stop the bleeding as much as possible. With a bandage, apply constant pressure to wherever the bleeding is occurring.
4. Seizures
If you are with someone that is having a seizure, there should be no time to waste in this emergency situation. Pick up the phone and call an EMT. While doing so, make sure that the area is clear of any obstacles or sharp objects where the person could injure themselves.
Depending on how severe the seizure is, calling an ambulance is the best route to go since they are more skilled to deal with the situation. They may provide supplemental oxygen, put on a ventilation mask, and make sure the person is in the best position.
5. Burns That Need Dressing
If there is a small burn on a stove, that is not an emergency situation. However, if the burn is in need of a dressing, it is vital to call an ambulance.
How do you know which burns are in need of dressing?
If the burn is over a large area of the skin, like an entire limb, it may need dressing. On the other hand, if it is a third-degree burn over a small or large area, it will need a dressing.
The skin in a third-degree burn will look white and leathery as well as start to thicken.
6. Someone Is Unconscious or Responding Innapropriately
If you are with someone that is unconscious or responding in a way that is not normal for them, it’s time to call an EMT.
With responses that seem out of the ordinary, a person could be suffering from a stroke or another kind of medical emergency. These types of emergencies are best treated in a medical facility with qualified personnel.
7. Severe Car Accidents
In a situation with a car accident, you will need to use your discretion regarding whether an ambulance is necessary. If someone seems hut or unable to move, it is best to call.
The last thing you want to do in that situation is try to move the person since that may end up hurting them more.
8. Potential Overdoses
If you or someone you know has potentially overdosed, this is a life-threatening emergency. Immediately call 9-1-1.
This could occur on purpose or by accident, but either way, calling is best.
If you are not sure whether someone has overdosed and they are not telling you, it’s best to call anyway just in case. Without proper treatment, their life could be in danger.
9. Potential Poisoning
Poisoning can be anything from consuming chemicals like detergents, bleach, or too much alcohol. If this is the case, calling an EMT can help save the person’s life.
There is nothing you can do at home to get rid of the poison in the person’s body. You must call 9-1-1.
10. You’re Aware of Pre-existing Medical Conditions
People with pre-existing medical conditions may need emergency medical attention more so than people without medical conditions.
Knowing someone’s medical history can help you save their lives by calling for help.
When Calling an Ambulance Is a Good Idea
Not every single medical situation is an emergency situation. Knowing when to call an ambulance can be vital to saving a person’s life in a life-threatening emergency.
If you are with someone when they experience one of these 10 scenarios, it is time to call 9-1-1.
Did you enjoy learning these tips? Check out other blogs under the Health tab.
