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No thanksIf you need emergency help in Niagara, call 9-1-1 (free from a pay phone). This accesses the Emergency Response System for ambulance, police and fire departments. If you indicate that it is a medical emergency, your call will be transferred immediately to the Niagara EMS Communications Centre.
Dialing 9-1-1 gives people priority access to emergency services. Sometimes it is difficult to know whether your medical problem is serious or not. Here are just a few examples of when you would require emergency medical care and you should call 9-1-1:
If you have any doubts about whether you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. The ambulance will take you to the appropriate emergency department.
When calling 9-1-1, the operator will ask the caller for the following information:
Once the location of the emergency has been confirmed, the paramedics are on their way. While the ambulance is responding, you will be asked additional questions that will assist the paramedics in preparing for your emergency.
Try to stay calm and answer these questions as it will allow the operator to continue assisting you.
In a life-threatening situation, Niagara EMS immediately sends highly trained paramedics to the scene. EMS notifies Niagara's fire and police services to respond to the call, meaning trained help arrives on the scene as quickly as possible.
If the fire department arrives before EMS, they will assess the patient and start basic emergency care. Paramedics will then complete a full patient assessment and provide further emergency care when they arrive.
Based on the severity of the condition, you will be transported to the closest hospital equipped to proceed with the appropriate level of care. In most cases, this means the nearest hospital.
Whenever possible, a request for care at a specific hospital where medical records or physician are located will be honoured.If the closest hospital is inappropriate, the paramedics will transport you to the next closest facility.
A patient with a specific problem, such as severe burns or trauma, will be transported to the hospital that specializes in treating this condition.
Once 9-1-1 is dialed, emergency services are on its way. Do what you can to assist the patient while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. If possible, assign someone to meet the paramedics and direct them to the patient.