Often the first thing someone thinks of when they have a severely ill family member or friend is to pile into the car and head to the hospital. They put the pedal to the metal and rush through traffic in a state of stress and panic. Often they don't call 911, fearing that their situation does not warrant that emergency call.
Could 911 Have Averted the Tragedy in Arizona?
Arizona residents heard horrible news this weekend, when a small child was swept away in flood waters. The Phoenix area had torrential rainstorms for several days which flooded many low lying areas including the roads. The news reported that parents of a sick boy were taking him to the hospital using a roadway that turned out to be unsafe for their travel. The mother, father and daughter escaped their flooded car that became stranded in a swift current, but the boy was swept away. The boy's body was found by hikers three days later. It's obvious that the parents had the best of intentions when they headed out in the storm, but this tragedy should make everyone consider all their options when faced with a similar situation and lean heavily toward calling 911.
Why Call 911 instead of Driving to the Hospital?
What would parents or friends do if the person they are driving to the hospital takes a turn for the worse and convulses, vomits blood or passes out? Without medical training, and limited to two hands, they can only drive faster and pray they reach help in time. By calling 911 first, the operator can help alleviate panic and provide sound advice for the medical situation before even moving the sick person. When the medical condition of a loved one is serious or their health is quickly declining, a call for emergency services should be the first choice, because EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and paramedics:
- are trained in handling medical emergencies
- can provide medical attention en-route to the hospital, which can be critical in a severe medical situation
- are prepared to handle the situation should it take a turn for the worse
- have vehicles with flashing lights that clear the traffic
- can communicate emergency situations to staff via their radios
- know the best route to the closest hospital
- are aware of the road conditions, traffic challenges and trained in how to drive in emergency situations
- can provide medical attention within the vehicle if the vehicle comes to an impassable intersection or situation, until plan B is devised.
What Situations Most Require Emergency Transportation Services?
Emergency transportation to the hospital may be critical in the following situations, so never hesitate to call 911.
- heart attack/severe chest pain
- strokes
- bleeding profusely
- head injuries
- trouble breathing
- serious burns
- broken bones protruding through the skin
- severe stomach pain
- unresponsiveness or coma
- drug overdose
- heat stroke
- drowning
Remember, when in doubt, call 911 anyway!
The Phoenix Police Department's website provides a guide to using 911. They advise when calling 911, that if the call is placed on hold, to stay on the line. When asked questions, they say to take the time to answer them, as emergency responders are often already dispatched.
Be Prepared for a Medical Emergency
Plan for an emergency? Exactly! When a medical emergency occurs, most individuals have a hard time thinking clearly. By thinking an emergency through before one happens, the outcome is more likely to be positive.
- Have personal medical information in an easily accessible place. The Southwest Ambulance website has a form, called "Envelope for Life" that they recommend be completed for every individual in the home and kept in an envelope on the refrigerator for easy reference.
- Enter individual's numbers that should be called in case of an emergency in cell phones. By entering the number under "ICE" and the name of the individual to be called, emergency responders can make contact with family or friends.
- Have a family plan so that everyone knows what to do and who to call.
- Post a list of medical conditions that require a 911 call and will most likely be best served by an ambulance ride.
Most everyone will confront an emergency sometime in their life, and needs to think of the actions they will take when it occurs. By coming up with a plan, keeping calm and contacting 911, a disastrous emergency might be averted, and a loved one's life saved.
Resources:
Southwest Ambulance
City of Phoenix Police Department Website
Jan Peterson - I'm a retired banker, published songwriter, cyber journalist, and member of the advisory board for the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall ...
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