When to call an ambulance?  Well, most people would agree that an older person having chest pain or a motorcyclist who was thrown from his bike should have an ambulance ride to the hospital.  How about an elderly female who is not drunk and slurring her words?

Well, in a recent study conducted in England only 25% of respondents would have sent such a patient by ambulance to the hospital.  This patient was showing signs of a stroke and needs to be evaluated by trained medical personnel as soon as possible.

A toddler with a fever and stiff neck who could have meningitis should also be transported via ambulance. Yet only 53% in this study felt an ambulance was required. On the other hand, a toddler who hit his head hard or stuffed some Legos up his nose (one wonders what motivated these researchers to create the Lego scenario-perhaps personal experience?) up to 16% would have called the ambulance, when in fact none was required.

Ambulances with trained paramedics on board provide an essential link from the community to the hospital.  In my mind there is no question that these services are critical in improving care for critically ill medical or trauma patients

The issue is however that these trips are not only very expensive but more importantly, put units out of service until patients arrive at the destination hospital.  Calling an ambulance for chronic back pain or for a sprained wrist in an otherwise healthy young adult is not only not necessary, but could also lead to delays in caring for other critically ill patients who need such services. Paramedics will rarely if ever refuse service due to legal and ethical concerns. All of us love professional writer help essay online since it is the best writing solution.

This study shows that more public education is needed so that patients can identify situations where ambulance transport is key and those where private vehicles could be used instead.

By all means if you feel you need an ambulance, call 911. However, remember that in this universe there is no free ride.  If you are uncertain ask the medics who arrive if it would be safe to transport yourself to the hospital.