We have no problem checking things out and NOT transporting, and there is no charge if there is no transport. After we examine the patient, we will tell you if there is no emergency, and you can take the patient to the doctor or hospital yourself. If you live in Jefferson County, calling for help is easy. DIAL Speak slowly and clearly, and listen to the questions the dispatcher asks you.
It is even more important to stay calm and follow the same rules as above when on a cell phone. How do you tell the difference between a true emergency and a minor problem? Certain symptoms are so alarming that the need for emergency care-or even an ambulance-is obvious.
But what should you do about more common illnesses and injuries? Only a doctor can diagnose medical problems. Know which symptoms to watch for. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, the following are warning signs of a medical emergency:. Talk to your regular doctor before you have an emergency. Ask what you should do if you think someone in your family needs emergency care. Should you go straight to the emergency department? Some areas have non-emergent transport available if you call and the problem is not life or limb threatening, such as minor injuries or illness, such as a sore throat.
If you are not sure if you need an ambulance, better to call and they will assist you directly. It is likely that an ambulance is appropriate if you see that:.
Other considerations include: Rural vs. Your geographic location factors heavily into response times. If you live in a rural region, an ambulance — likely a volunteer rescue squad — may take a while to reach you, and in some rural areas, the response times can be significant if the ambulance is located far from your house. If you cannot get yourself or the victim to the hospital due to lack of transportation or injury, and the condition is non-life threatening, call a friend or family member, taxi, or ride-sharing service.
Using a car service will cost hundreds of dollars less than an ambulance. Volunteer agencies may not charge you directly for transport, but the money comes from taxes. If you have health insurance, this may cover part or all of an ambulance transport, depending on your insurance.
No matter your condition, emergency physicians will be ready and waiting on the other side. It is strongly recommended that you take a first aid course. People who have taken a course can use their first aid knowledge to help in an emergency and even save lives until medical help arrives.
For more information on first aid courses, contact St John Ambulance Australia or any first aid services organisation. There are a number of ways to cover the costs of ambulance and non-emergency patient transport. See the Department of Health and Human Services website for ambulance cover information. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home.
If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Bleeding may be minor or it may be a life-threatening medical emergency. Immediate first aid for all burns is to hold the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Most hot tap water scald injuries to children happen in the bathroom. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.
The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.
The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Seeing a doctor, specialist or health professional. Home Seeing a doctor, specialist or health professional. Calling an ambulance. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Recognising a medical emergency How to call an ambulance When you call an ambulance Interpreters for calls to triple zero Emergency number for mobile phones Calling triple zero when you cannot speak Calls to triple zero for people with speech or hearing impairments If it is not an emergency Learn first aid Ambulance costs Where to get help.
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