← All services · Doctor visits and check-ups
When and how to call an ambulance
calling an ambulance · emergency number · emergency services · when to call an ambulance · paramedics
How to know it is time to call an ambulance, and what to tell the dispatcher. Call your local emergency number.
For dangerous situations: chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, or a serious injury.
⏱ Duration: talking to the dispatcher usually takes 1 to 3 minutes; arrival time depends on urgency and location
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Numbers. Know your local emergency number by heart, and save it in your phone.
- At home. Keep the patient's documents and medicine list in one place.
- Meeting the crew. If possible, have someone open the door and meet the crew outside.
What to bring
- The patient's ID
- A list of medicines, or the packs
- Discharge papers and ECGs, if you have them
- Your phone
How it goes
- Call emergency services and speak calmly
- Say what happened, the person's age, and the address
- Answer the dispatcher's questions
- Do not hang up until you are told you can
- Follow the dispatcher's advice until help arrives
- Open the door, put away dogs, and have documents ready
What you'll feel
- Feeling panicked is normal. The dispatcher will guide you with questions
- Do not leave out the key facts: are they breathing, are they awake
Afterwards
- The ambulance crew will examine the person and give care
- If needed, the person will be taken to hospital
- If they stay at home, ask for advice
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes: call emergency services
- A drooping face, a weak arm, or slurred speech: call emergency services right away
- Trouble breathing, or the person is unconscious: call emergency services
- Heavy bleeding or a serious injury: call emergency services
Common questions
Can the ambulance refuse to come?
When life is at risk, an ambulance is sent. Describe clearly what is happening.
Can I give medicine before help arrives?
Ask the dispatcher. They will tell you what you can do.
What do I do if I see stroke signs?
Call emergency services right away, and note the time it started. This matters for treatment.