If you're a senior or someone caring for a senior, watch paramedic Nicole Fox Wood in an Aging in Peel interview with Peel Senior Link as she talks about what to know about using 911.
Below are some information highlights of the interview.
Call 911 first in a medical emergency. Serious medical emergencies are time-sensitive and seniors often call a family member first. This delays medical care.
Call if you're having a medical emergency. A lot of seniors don't want to be a bother or are unsure about whether they should call 911. Medical emergencies include: trouble breathing, a heart attack, stroke and major fall. You've got enough experience to know when something is wrong so call us and let us do our job.
Paramedics need to know specific information about you at an emergency. Download and complete our patient information full-sized and wallet-sized card and keep it in a convenient location should you need it. Have the following information readily available:
medical conditions you have
medications you're taking and how much
allergies you suffer from
date of birth, emergency contact and telephone number
health card number
Help save critical time by:
Putting animals in another room
Turning on lights
Ensuring your house number can be seen easily
Unlocking and opening the front door
Clearing a path to the patient, both inside and outside - leave room for the ambulance in the driveway if possible.
