Calling an ambulance

What is a medical emergency?#

In a medical emergency, calling for an ambulance can mean the difference between life and death. People sometimes hesitate to call because they are not sure whether the situation really counts as an emergency. The call takers are trained to help, and they will direct you to the right care.

Signs of an immediate, life-threatening emergency that may need an ambulance include:

• difficulty breathing
• severe bleeding
• unconsciousness
• lips or face turning blue
• becoming agitated, confused or very drowsy
• chest pain or chest tightness
• sudden numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg
• large burns
• serious accidents or trauma
• extreme pain

If you need urgent medical help for yourself or another person, call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) and ask for an ambulance.

How to call an ambulance#

If you are giving first aid to the injured person, ask someone else to make the call. If you are by yourself, call out for help. If no one responds, briefly leave the sick or injured person to call for an ambulance.

Try not to panic. Talk slowly and clearly so the call taker can understand you.

When you call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) , you may be asked which service you need: police, fire or ambulance. Tell the call taker that you need an ambulance. You will then be asked for details such as:

• the location where the ambulance is needed, including the address if known
• any extra location details that may help, such as street names, nearby landmarks or other features
• what has happened, including any safety concerns at the scene
• how many people need help
• the person’s age, whether they are conscious (awake) and whether they are breathing

The call taker will arrange help for you while you stay on the phone. Listen carefully, answer their questions and follow their instructions, as this helps the patient and the paramedics. Do not hang up until the call taker tells you to.

If you do not speak the local language#

If you do not speak the local language or would prefer to speak in your own language, you can ask for an interpreter. There may be a short wait while one is connected.

It helps to know a few key words in the local language, such as your address and phone number, and words like “unconscious”, “not breathing” and “bleeding”. These can help the call taker arrange the right help while the interpreter is being connected.

If you are unable to speak#

If it is not safe for you to speak, or you cannot speak, follow the prompts you are given. Emergency systems have ways to handle silent or accidental calls, and may try to confirm whether you genuinely need help before sending assistance.

If you have a speech or hearing impairment, a text-based emergency relay service may be available in your area. Check what relay options exist where you live before you need them.

Getting help for non-urgent symptoms#

For less urgent symptoms, other services may be more appropriate than an ambulance. These can include:

• urgent care clinics, which provide care for conditions that need attention soon but are not an emergency, often with extended hours
• your primary care doctor, who is the best person to prescribe medication; ambulance paramedics cannot prescribe medication
• after-hours doctors, including some who can visit your home
• pharmacists, who can advise on minor symptoms
• telephone health advice lines, where available, which may offer health advice from a registered nurse

Learn basic first aid and CPR#

In an emergency, knowing simple first aid can make the difference between life and death. People who have done a course can use that knowledge to help until medical help arrives.

Consider taking a first aid course. Depending on the course, you can learn skills such as:

• basic first aid
• cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including how to use a defibrillator
• mental health first aid

Courses range from a couple of hours to a couple of days and can often be taken online or in person, with flexible times. Participants usually receive a certificate, and refresher courses are recommended every few years. Many organizations run regular courses, so ask your doctor or local health service for more information.

Key points#

• people sometimes hesitate to call because they are not sure if the situation counts as an emergency
• if in doubt, call your local emergency number and ask for an ambulance
• emergency systems have ways to handle silent or accidental calls
• other services and alternative care options are available for less urgent symptoms

Where to get help#