What should I have ready when the Ambulance arrives?

Needing to call an ambulance can be very stressful. Things as simple as unlocking the door can be easily overlooked with the adrenaline pumping. Turn on outside lights, and be sure to have your house number clearly readable from the road. Brass numbers on the side of the house may look good, but may be of little use in an emergency.

You may consider sending someone to the end of the driveway to help responders locate the house. If there are dogs or other pets, you might consider moving them to another room. They may feel a need to protect their master.

Don't move anyone that has fallen or may be at risk of spinal cord injury. The best strategy to help the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) is to provide vital information about the incident. Some things the ambulance crew will want to know are:

PATIENT'S NAME: first, last, nickname

PATIENT'S AGE: date of birth if available

WHAT HAPPENED: did you see it, a brief description

WHEN DID IT HAPPEN: some new treatments are time critical

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: names and dosages or collect them in a bag for the crew to take

ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING: certain medications, etc.

PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR(S): name(s) and what hospital(s) they are affiliated with

INSURANCE CARRIER(S): have card(s) ready for hospital, if possible

IMPORTANT MEDICAL HISTORY: any cardiac (heart) history, diabetes, asthma, etc., are they currently being treated for anything, have they recently been hospitalized for anything

EMERGENCY CONTACT: relationship and phone number