Calling the EMS
Knowing how to activate the EMS is important for
everyone to know, as even simply alerting the EMS about a patient will ensure that the necessary
help will arrive for them. There are lots of cases where you may have to call the EMS, including
serious road traffic incidents, serious burns, drowning, or major bleeds. It is as simple as
calling 999 or 112 and answering any questions they have accurately as possible. 999 is a UK-wide
phone number. Whilst 112 is the European number, it works in the UK as well. If your
phone says you do not have any service, it is worth trying your call anyway, your
network may not have a service in that area, but emergency phone calls will work, even
if there is a signal from a nearby network. The phone operator will ask you what service you
require fire, ambulance, police, or all of them. Speak clearly and answer all questions as
best you can, they will need your location, but they may be able to track your phone from
your phone number. What three words is a location system which gives your exact location down to
a three-meter square as a set of three words. This covers everywhere on the globe, and
it is a good way of finding our location if you are unsure where you are. You can also
register to call the EMS by text message if you are hard of hearing. It is essential that you give
them as much accurate information as possible. In the cases of a suspected drug overdose
after getting the essentials out, including the location and the fact that the
patient is not breathing, you can quickly talk about how you think the patient has
overdosed from opioids. Also, make sure you tell the operator that you have administered
whatever the amount is of Naloxone if necessary.
Activating Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Importance of Activating EMS
Knowing how to activate the EMS is crucial for ensuring prompt medical assistance for patients in critical situations.
When to Call EMS
Scenarios Requiring EMS:
- Serious road traffic incidents
- Serious burns
- Drowning emergencies
- Major bleeding
How to Activate EMS
Steps to Follow:
- Call 999 or 112 (European number, also works in the UK).
- Provide accurate answers to the operator's questions.
- If no network service, attempt the call anyway; emergency calls can connect through other networks.
- Specify if you need fire, ambulance, police, or all services.
- Provide your location; consider using What3words for precise location details.
- Text messaging is available for those hard of hearing.
Using What3words
Location Precision:
- What3words provides exact location down to a three-meter square with three unique words.
- It is globally accessible and useful when unsure of your location.
Handling Suspected Drug Overdoses
Additional Considerations:
- If suspected opioid overdose, mention this to the operator along with any administered Naloxone.
- Ensure accurate and detailed information is provided promptly.