Before the Ambulance Arrives: What You Should Know

Simple steps to prepare for an emergency.

After five years working in EMS, I have learned that some of the most helpful things residents can do during an emergency happen before responders ever arrive.

These few simple preparations can help us find your home, reach you quickly and understand important medical information when time matters.

Start With a Vial of Life

One of the most useful things you can have is a Vial of Life — a simple record of important medical information kept in an easy-to-find location, typically on or near the refrigerator where emergency responders know to look.

If you are unable to answer questions, are confused or simply overwhelmed during an emergency, having this information readily available can be extremely helpful.

Your Vial of Life should include:

• Name and date of birth
• Current medications
• Medication allergies
• Important medical conditions and history
• Emergency contacts
• Information about medical devices, such as a pacemaker
• Advance directive, POLST, DNR or health care power of attorney information, if applicable

For people taking several medications or managing multiple medical conditions, this information can be especially valuable.

Most importantly, keep it current. Update your Vial of Life whenever medications, emergency contacts or other important medical information changes.

English and Spanish Vial of Life forms are available below to download, complete and keep at home.

• Download: Vial of Life – English [PDF]

Make Your Address Easy to Find

Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the road. Large or reflective numbers can be particularly helpful at night.

If you have a locked gate, gate code or another access issue, think ahead about how emergency responders will reach your home.

Finding the correct house and getting through the door should not be what slows us down.

Keep a Clear Path

Responders may arrive carrying several pieces of equipment, and we may need enough room to safely move a patient out on a gurney.

Try to keep a clear path from the entrance to the areas where you spend the most time.

Cluttered entrances and narrow walkways can make reaching and moving a patient more difficult.

Secure Pets

Even friendly pets can become frightened or protective during an emergency.

If possible, secure dogs and other animals in another room, bathroom, yard or other safe area before responders enter. This allows us to focus on the person who needs care and helps keep everyone safe.

Tell Dispatch What You See

You do not need to know what is medically wrong before calling 911.

Simply describe what is happening — someone is having trouble breathing, has fallen, has chest pain, is confused or otherwise appears unwell.

Nobody expects you to be perfectly calm during an emergency. Give dispatch the clearest information you can and answer their questions. That information can help responders prepare before they reach your door.

Do Not Be Afraid to Call

People sometimes hesitate because they are unsure whether a problem is serious enough for 911.

If you are genuinely concerned, it is better to call and have someone evaluate the situation than to wait until the problem becomes more serious.

Paramedics can assess a patient, take vital signs and provide emergency treatment when appropriate. Some conditions may require further evaluation or treatment at a hospital.

I would rather evaluate someone early and find that they are doing well than arrive later when their condition has become more serious.

Be Prepared for Summer Heat

During summer heat can quickly become dangerous. Drink fluids regularly, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours and take frequent breaks in cooler areas.

Older adults and people with certain medical conditions or medications may be especially vulnerable. If someone becomes ill from the heat or you are concerned, seek medical care or call 911.

Prepare Before You Need Us

Before an emergency happens, take a few minutes to look around your home.

Can responders clearly see your address? Can they get through your gate and front door? Is there a clear path to reach you? Can pets be secured quickly?

And most importantly, is your Vial of Life completed, current and easy to find?

When EMS arrives, we may know very little about the person we are there to help. Having medications, allergies, medical history, emergency contacts and important documents readily available gives us valuable information from the start.

A little preparation now can make it easier for us to help when you need us.

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This article is intended for general emergency-preparedness information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the instructions of dispatchers and responding personnel.

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