Need an ambulance?

In a medical emergency when an ambulance is needed, dial 112. This is the general emergency line so an operator will ask the nature of the emergency and transfer the call to the ambulance control.

Information required

It is important to have a list of information ready to give to Ambulance Control to ensure the fastest most efficient help is dispatched. This includes :

• The address where medical assistance is required
• Your name and telephone number
• A brief description of what happened and medical assistance is required

Help will be despatched immediately but while on the phone you will also be asked for:

• The patients age, sex and medical history
• Whether the patient is unconscious, breathing, if there is chest pain  or any bleeding
• Details of how the injury happened

This information will not delay despatch but ensure the right help is sent on the way and advice on first aid can be given until the ambulance arrives.

In the meantime....

Before help arrives there are some things that can be done to help.

• If you are in the street, stay with the patient until help arrives
• Call back if the patient’s condition changes
• Call back if the location changes
• If you are calling from home or work ask someone to wait outside to signal where the ambulance staff are required
• Lock away any pets
• Collect the patient’s GP’s details if possible and collect any medication they may be on
• Inform ambulance staff of allergies if possible
• Stay calm – ambulance staff are there to help. Violence or threatening behaviour towards them will not be tolerated and may delay getting the patient to the hospital

Prepare for emergencies

Always be sure that:

• Your house number can be seen from the road
• If you live in a housing estate, check that there is a clear sign to direct emergency services and ensure all lifts are working.