Is it better take someone to the hospital or wait for the ambulance?
Asked by: Misty McGlynn | Last update: January 30, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (28 votes)
Is it better to wait for an ambulance or drive to the hospital?
If you or the person who needs care is choking, not responding, bleeding a lot, or having what you think might be a heart attack or stroke, it's a good idea to call 911 and request an ambulance. If you aren't sure whether someone is having an anxiety attack or a heart attack, don't wait to see what happens.
How long is it acceptable to wait for an ambulance?
Ambulance services are measured on the time it takes from receiving a 999 call to the vehicle arriving at the patient's location. It should take 8 minutes for the ambulance to arrive if the call is life threatening or an emergency. Ambulance services often send more than one vehicle to try to meet the 8 minute target.
Should I go to the hospital or wait?
You should call 911 or come right to the emergency room if you're systemically sick. That's when an illness affects your entire body, and you have severe pain or sudden onset of severe symptoms, a fever that won't break, or “something doesn't work,” like you're unable to move an arm or leg or breathe normally.
Do you get seen quicker if you go to the hospital by ambulance?
It's important to note that arriving to the emergency department by ambulance does not get you seen more quickly. The ER treats people based on the severity of their condition, no matter how they arrive.
Stroke: Why Waiting for an Ambulance Is Better Than Driving to the Hospital
What to say in ER to get in faster?
Be specific: Describe your symptoms in detail. Instead of saying “I feel sick,” explain the specific symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain. This will help the medical staff understand the urgency of your situation. Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture of your symptoms.
Why do people go to the ER instead of urgent care?
When your emergency department is the better choice. More serious problems—like severe pain, difficulty breathing and traumatic injuries—do need screening and treatment at the ED. In major emergencies, driving to the ED won't get you help fast enough. It's safer to call 911, especially in life-threatening situations.
What symptoms will get you admitted to the hospital?
- Fever.
- Vomiting blood.
- Dark, black stool.
- Unable to keep food down.
- Experiencing chest pain or having difficulty breathing.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- A feeling of lightheadedness or that you might pass out.
- Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.
What is considered an emergency for ambulance?
Dial 911 in the event of an emergency ONLY! When someone is badly hurt or suddenly sick and in danger, call EMS immediately. Call when someone's life is threatened, when someone faints or collapses, has persistent chest pain or difficulty breathing or is badly injured.
What to do while waiting for an ambulance?
While you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive:
Do not give them anything to eat or drink. Loosen any restrictive clothing that could cause breathing difficulties. If weakness is obvious in any limb, support it and avoid pulling on it when moving the person.
How fast will an ambulance get to me?
EMS First Response and Two Paramedics.
NFPA Standard 1710 establishes a 300 second or 5 minute first “response time” goal for not less than 90% of these type incidents.
How long is too long to wait for an ambulance?
We aim to be with the patient within 15 minutes of the time specified by the GP. Similarly, if your assessment requires an emergency response, make this clear to the call operator. Our non-emergency transport teams provide basic care including oxygen and Entonox.
When should you not call an ambulance?
There are certainly times when calling an ambulance isn't necessary. A lot of injuries don't need immediate treatment. If the medical emergency isn't life-threatening and you can quickly get yourself or the victim to the hospital, you should do so. In that case, you shouldn't call an ambulance.
Do you get charged for calling an ambulance?
Typically, you don't receive an ambulance bill unless you are taken to the hospital. While you should always see a doctor right after a car crash, you are not required to go to the hospital and have the right to turn down EMTs suggestions under most circumstances.
Is it better to go to the ER at night or morning?
ERs generally see a decline in patient visits during the early morning hours. Furthermore, weekends, in contrast to popular belief, also tend to be less crowded. If your condition is not life-threatening but still requires immediate medical attention, considering these off-peak hours might be beneficial.
What symptoms warrant an ER visit?
- Trouble breathing.
- Passing out, fainting.
- Pain in the arm or jaw.
- Unusual or bad headache, particularly if it started suddenly.
- Dizziness or weakness that does not go away.
- Inhaled smoke or poisonous fumes.
- Sudden confusion.
What gets you admitted to the hospital?
People are admitted to a hospital when they have a serious or life-threatening problem (such as a heart attack). They also may be admitted for less serious disorders that cannot be adequately treated in another place (such as at home or in an outpatient surgery center).
How do you decide if I should go to the ER?
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Sudden weakness on one side of your body.
- Altered sensation or inability to move your arms or legs.
- Difficulty speaking, or a sudden inability to speak.
- Pain or swelling in a limb after falling or another impact.
Which is less expensive ER or urgent care?
An urgent care visit is between $100 and $200 – about ten times less than the average ER visit. If you have insurance, it should only be the cost of your co-pay. Most urgent care clinics are open 7 days a week. And, on average, wait times are 30 minutes or less.
Can an ambulance force you to go to the hospital?
Patients may refuse transport if they do not wish to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, but they will be required to sign a release form indicating that medical personnel have explained the possible dangers or consequences of not seeking further medical treatment.
Is it better to drive to the hospital or call an ambulance?
Even if the scene of the emergency or accident is very close to a healthcare facility, it is always best to call 9-1-1. Paramedics are highly trained professionals who are able to provide advanced medical treatment to those who are sick or injured.
What to say when calling an ambulance?
- the location of the emergency (for example, the postcode or any landmarks)
- what has happened (the main symptom or reason for the call)
- your contact number (in case they need to call you back)