When to call an ambulance

These pages are only a guideline for emergency care. Please follow directions given by your health care provider or the 911 operator.Be prepared before an emergency occurs:

• Take the time to learn what to do in the case of an emergency.
• Attend a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course (CPR course).
• Attend a first-aid course.
• For information about CPR and first-aid courses, contact your local health care provider.

When to call an ambulance for a child

• The child not breathing or lifeless — If you are alone and a child is not breathing and is lifeless, begin CPR for one minute before calling 911 or your emergency number.
• Difficulty breathing
• Unconscious child
• Change in mental status
  • Unusual behavior
  • Difficulty waking up
• Seizures longer than 5 minutes
• Sudden severe pain
• Major injuries
• Suspected spinal or neck injury
• Severe burns
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Poisonings — When advised by the Poison Control Center or a local health care provider.

What to know when calling for help

Remember to use this number only in a real emergency. The use of this number for a nonemergency may cause a delay in help for someone whose life may be in danger.

When you call, speak clearly, slowly, and calmly.

Information that you need to provide:

• Your name
• Address
• Phone number
• Location of ill/injured child(ren)
• Number of ill/injured child(ren)
• Problem

Be sure the dispatcher has the correct address. Do not hang up until the dispatcher advises; he or she may need additional information or be able to give you instructions.

What to do until help arrives

• Do not leave an ill/injured child alone once the call has been made.
• Do not move an injured child unless he or she is in danger.
• Do not remove any embedded objects from a wound.
• Do not give the child anything to eat or drink.
• Keep the child as warm and comfortable as possible.
• If not breathing or stops breathing, administer CPR.
• If bleeding — apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.
• If burned — cover with clean cloth. Do not put ice, butter, cream or ointment on the burn. Do not break blisters.
• If seizures — clear the area and allow the seizure to occur. Do not put anything in the child's mouth.

Remain calm and help the child remain calm.

If another person is available, have him or her meet the ambulance and show the way to the child.