WHEN TO CALL AN AMBULANCE

By Kabongola Malembeka

You should call an ambulance when you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention, or when moving the person could cause further harm. In these critical moments, Medlink Ambulance is the trusted choice for fast, reliable, and expert care. We ensure that you are in safe hands every step of the way. With this said, here are key situations when calling an ambulance is necessary:

1. Life-Threatening Conditions

• Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness: If someone suddenly loses consciousness or is not responding to stimuli.
• Chest pain or pressure: Especially if it lasts for more than a few minutes, is severe, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating, as this could indicate a heart attack.
• Difficulty breathing: If someone is struggling to breathe, breathing very fast or slow, or appears to be choking.
• Severe bleeding: If there is heavy, uncontrollable bleeding that doesn't stop after applying pressure.
• Seizures: If someone is having a seizure, especially if it lasts longer than five minutes, they don’t wake up afterward, or it’s their first seizure.
• Signs of stroke: Symptoms like sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, or loss of coordination or balance.
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis): Signs include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and a rapid or weak pulse.

2. Injuries

• Severe burns: Especially if they cover a large area of the body, affect the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or are deep.
• Suspected broken bones: Particularly if the injury involves the spine, neck, head, or major bones like the thigh.
• Head injuries: Especially if the person is confused, vomiting, losing consciousness, or has trouble staying awake.
• Major trauma or falls: If someone has fallen from a significant height or has been in a serious car accident, it’s crucial to get emergency help.

3. Poisoning or Overdose

• Ingestion of toxic substances: If someone has swallowed poison, medication, or harmful chemicals, or if there is suspicion of a drug overdose.
• Severe reactions to drugs or alcohol: If someone is unresponsive or having difficulty breathing after consuming drugs or alcohol.

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4. Uncontrollable Symptoms

• Severe pain: If someone is experiencing extreme pain that doesn’t subside, especially if the cause is unknown.
• Severe dehydration: Symptoms include confusion, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down.
• Pregnancy complications: Call if there are severe abdominal pains, heavy bleeding, or if the person is in labour but too far from a hospital.

5. Sudden, Unexplained Symptoms

• Sudden confusion or altered mental state: If someone is disoriented, confused, or acting irrationally without explanation.
• Severe allergic reactions: Sudden onset of hives, itching, or swelling, especially if it affects breathing.

6. Inability to Safely Transport via Private Vehicle

• Risk During Transport: If there is a risk that the patient’s condition could deteriorate during transport (e.g., sudden loss of consciousness, unstable vitals), it is safer to use an ambulance equipped with advanced life support.
• Need for Monitoring: If the patient needs continuous monitoring or medical interventions (e.g., oxygen, IV fluids, medication) en route to a hospital.

In these critical situations, don’t take chances; trust Medlink Ambulance for immediate, expert care. Our professional team is ready to respond swiftly and provide advanced medical support right when you need it most.

Call Medlink Ambulance on +260 773 505 573 because your health and safety are our top priority. Trust Medlink to get you the care you deserve!