There are many reasons why a person may need to call an ambulance. It may be because a person is not moving or is injured. In these cases, the first reflex is to call an ambulance. This is one of the only ways to get help at the time. However, it should be noted that a call cannot be made at random. You must take into account some aspects before dialing their number. What are the steps to follow to contact an ambulance?
Breathe and Calm Down
In critical situations, it is tough to control yourself. The body can quickly panic, and you can lose all patience and start to feel anxious. This is an entirely uncontrolled and normal reaction. However, you can’t get anywhere in a hurry and hysteria. You need to take a deep breath and calm down first. Without this, you may even get the wrong emergency number and lose valuable time. Even when the situation seems critical, you need to take it easy, breathe, and calm down. That way, you’ll be able to deal with everything in your head.
Dialing the Emergency Number
Generally, every good citizen should know this number by heart. This way, you won’t lose time in a critical situation. It is important to note that these numbers are not the same. Indeed, everything depends on your country and the area in which you live. In France, for example, you can access emergency services by simply dialing 112. The numbers are easy to remember, so always remember them for the most critical situations.
Listen to the Options and Request an Ambulance
When you call this number, you can’t automatically request an ambulance. In fact, there is a particular procedure to follow but fear not. The telephone operator will give you the process to follow. Depending on your needs, you can now request an ambulance to be dispatched to you.
Informing the Operator on the Phone
During this step, the operator on the line with you is required to ask you several questions. This is done solely to provide you with all the help you need. This is one of the reasons why you must remain calm. If you don’t, you may even give wrong information without knowing it because you have allowed yourself to panic.
It is therefore essential during this vital call to give your address accurately. It is crucial to be extremely precise in the details. This allows the paramedics to assist you quickly. In addition to the address, you must give the patient’s name, your name, and any other information the operator asks you to provide.
You may also be calling from a different location than where the incident occurred. In these cases, it is advisable to specify this to the operator.
Describe the Course of Events
This is an essential point that determines the sequence of events. It is based on this description that the appropriate help with the appropriate equipment will be sent to you. At this level, it is essential to have a clear mind to describe the events adequately. You must specify if people are in danger and be able to indicate their approximate number.
Stay on the Line and Be Prepared to Assist if Needed
You should not disconnect the call without the operator’s permission even when the ambulance is in progress. The operator may ask for more information or even give you instructions to follow. Once the paramedics are on-site, try not to interfere with their work. Eventually, they may ask for your help. Stay calm and give them all the help you can.
