Frequently Asked Questions
 

What should I have ready when the Ambulance arrives?

Needing to call an ambulance can be very stressful.  Things as simple as unlocking the door can be easily overlooked with the adrenaline pumping.

Turn on outside lights, and be sure to have your house number clearly readable from the road.  Brass numbers on the side of the house may look good, but may be of little use in an emergency.  You may consider sending someone to the end of the driveway to help responders locate the house.

If there are dogs or other pets, you might consider moving them to another room.  They may feel a need to protect their master.

Don't move anyone that has fallen or may be at risk of spinal cord injury.

The best strategy to help the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's), is to provide vital information about the incident.

Some things the ambulance crew will want to know are*:
 

     PATIENTS NAME
                first, last, nickname
     PATIENTS AGE
                date of birth if available
     WHAT HAPPENED
                did you see it,  a brief description
     WHEN DID IT HAPPEN
                some new treatments are time critical
     CURRENT MEDICATIONS
                names and dosages
                or collect them in a bag for the crew to take
     ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING
                certain medications, etc.
     PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR(S)
                name(s) and what hospital(s) they are affiliated with
     INSURANCE CARRIER(S)
                have card(s) ready for hospital if possible
     IMPORTANT MEDICAL HISTORY
                any cardiac (heart) history
                diabetes, asthma, etc.
                are they currently being treated for anything
                have they recently been hospitalized for anything
     EMERGENCY CONTACT
                relationship and phone number

*   The Princeton Police have a program called "File of Life" that has spaces for most of this information in a handy packet that has a magnet for placement on the refrigerator.  The EMT's are trained to look for this packet, and can save valuable time in an emergency.