| There are several misunderstandings about when to call an ambulance and what happens after you arrive at the hospital. The information below is intended to clarify common myths and provide accurate guidance.
Myth: “If I can drive, I should drive myself.”
Truth: If someone is experiencing a potentially life-threatening emergency—such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, major bleeding, or loss of consciousness—calling emergency services is usually safer than driving. Emergency responders can start assessment and treatment while on the way to the hospital.
Myth: “Calling an ambulance automatically means I’ll be admitted to the hospital.”
Truth: Being transported by ambulance ensures you receive a medical evaluation. The decision to admit someone to the hospital is made separately, after assessment by medical professionals.
Myth: “Ambulances are only for accidents.”
Truth: Ambulances respond to a variety of medical emergencies, not only accidents. This includes heart attacks, strokes, seizures, severe allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, and serious injuries.
Myth: “I’ll get faster treatment at the hospital if I arrive by ambulance.”
Truth: Arrival by ambulance does not always mean you will be treated sooner. Hospitals treat patients based on how severe their condition is, no matter how they arrived. However, emergency medical responders can provide care and share important information with hospital staff before arrival.
Myth: “I shouldn’t call unless I’m absolutely certain it’s an emergency.”
Truth: You are not expected to diagnose the situation on your own. If you think someone may be seriously ill or injured, call your local emergency number and describe what is happening. The dispatcher will help determine the next steps.
Myth: “If symptoms improve, there’s no reason to call.”
Truth: Some serious medical issues can appear to get better temporarily. For example, symptoms of a stroke that seem to go away can still require urgent medical attention.
Myth: “I’ll get in trouble for calling if it turns out not to be serious.”
Truth: Emergency dispatchers and medical professionals are trained to evaluate situations that may be unclear. It’s important to explain what is happening rather than delay care due to uncertainty.
When to call emergency services:
Call 911 in the United States (or your local emergency number) for signs of a possible life-threatening emergency, including:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Chest pressure or severe chest pain
- Signs of stroke: facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty
- Uncontrolled or severe bleeding
- Loss of consciousness or inability to wake someone
- A seizure that is prolonged, repeated, or happening in someone who does not normally have seizures
- Severe allergic reaction with breathing problems or swelling
- Serious injury, especially to the head, neck, or spine
If you are uncertain about whether it is an emergency, describe the symptoms to the dispatcher and follow their instructions. |
