Article Edit Discuss

Call an Ambulance

Edited by Train Wreck, Eng, Maria Quinney, VisiHow

6 Parts: When should you call an ambulance? How do you call an ambulance? What information will you need to provide? Tips and Suggestions References oh How to Call an Ambulance Comments

If you ever find yourself in an emergency or as a witness to an emergency, it's very important to know how you can contact emergency services, whether you are in need of police, fire, or ambulatory services. In this article, we will be discussing ambulatory services -- when you may need an ambulance, as well as how to make the call, and what information you may need to provide.

Contents

1 When should you call an ambulance?
2 How do you call an ambulance?
3 What information will you need to provide?
4 Tips and Suggestions
5 References oh How to Call an Ambulance
6 Comments

When should you call an ambulance?

An ambulance should be called in a serious or life-threatening emergency only. If the person in question is not breathing, is not responsive, is not moving, is losing a lot of blood, or is experiencing symptoms of a serious nature, an ambulance should always be called. Often, your instinct could be the best decision. Since it is best to be safe, if you are unsure, it may be a good idea to contact emergency services and explain the situation. If you think an ambulance may be needed, you should place the call to emergency services immediately. You may be able to provide some care for the affected person while you are on the phone with emergency services, but help should be requested right away.

How do you call an ambulance?

In many countries, there is a special telephone number for emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance. This number may be different depending on the country you are in. Some countries may not have a national number and use only local numbers. It is important to have this information on hand in case it is needed.

1
Within the United States, the emergency number is 911.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
In the United Kingdom, the emergency number is either 999 or 112.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
In Germany, you can dial 112.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4
In India, dial 102.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5
In China, dial 120.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
6
In Australia, the primary emergency services number is 000.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

What information will you need to provide?

When you make the call for an ambulance, you will need a some important information. Remember to remain calm when you're calling emergency services. Although emergency situations are stressful, it is easier to receive help, and in turn to help the injured person, when you can maintain a calm composure. If you are able to provide details about the person's condition, the emergency services operator may be able to give you some advice for how to keep the person comfortable until help arrives, or even how to provide basic medical care.

Your name, telephone number and the location of the incident.
The name of the person needing the ambulance, if known.
As many details about the situation and person's condition that you can provide.

Tips and Suggestions

In most cases, the operator should remain on the phone with you until a first responder has reached your location.

You should not hang up the phone until the operator has ended the call.
You will need to remain at the location of the incident until a first responder has arrived.
Check to see if you can register your cellphone or VoIP service with your local 911 dispatch service. Many 911 dispatch locations are now offering the ability to be able to text to 911 and allow you to register your address for faster response time.