Calling the Ambulance

hellonotarealdr
Jun 11
2 min read

Updated: Jun 20

When calling emergency services, the less time it takes for them to get important information, the higher the survival chance is for the casualty*. Although the emergency line operators and paramedics* are trained to get information quickly - so don't worry if you don't remember everything here - it is still useful to have an idea of how to help.

When calling:

Use the acronym LIONEL for greater clarity:

Location
Incident
Other services required
Number of casualties
Extent of injuries
Location (repeat)

Gathering information:

Gathering the relevant information yourself is important so you can repeat it accurately to the emergency services. For this, you can remember the acronym SAMPLE:

Signs and symptoms
Allergies
Medication taken/prescribed
Past medical history
Last ins/outs (last time eating, last bowel movement, etc)
Events leading to incident

Stretch!

What might happen if you don't take down the right signs/symptoms, or the right allergies?

Handing over to paramedics:

Use the acronym ATMIST to have a smooth handoff:

Age/name
Time of injury
Mechanism of injury
- What caused the injury?
Injuries sustained or suspected
- Visible injuries as well as suspected ones
Signs and symptoms
- Signs: visible, external* symptoms
- Symptoms: feelings
Treatment you/other first aiders at the scene gave the casualty

Tips:

Take a photo of any wounds pre-bandaging to show the emergency services. If you can, make sure the casualty says it's ok to take a picture, because getting consent where you can is helpful.
Use what3words for location - helps the emergency services to find you faster.
Check for a medical alert/ID in the casualty's phone, wallet, or pockets
Check for a medical bracelet or necklace

Summary:

Use the acronym LIONEL for calling the ambulance, SAMPLE for gathering relevant information, and ATMIST for handing the casualty over to paramedics. Getting the right information quickly means the casualty is more likely to survive.