Call 911!

I just got a call from my little sister in Colorado. My dad went to the hospital last night with some chest pain, and one day into the hospital testing, it looks like nothing major is wrong. What a relief!

That being said, I have to admit my dad – loving him dearly as I do – was very stupid last night. He thought he might be having a heart attack, so he got up, dressed, didn’t call any one to let them know what was going on, and drove himself to the hospital. Not only is this dumb – it’s medically dangerous.

If my dad had been having a heart attack, and it got really bad, he wouldn’t have been able to drive, so he probably would’ve had a wreck - endangering himself and possibly other motorists. Thankfully nothing like that happened and he made it to the hospital without incident…
I can tell you from my experience in the emergency room (as a social worker) that is not always the case. Sometimes people do end up in nasty wrecks because they collapsed at the wheel, trying to drive themselves to the hospital. And, there’s just no reason for that.

I understand “stubborn,” “hard headed,” and all the other words used to describe people who aren’t fond of doctors, and would rather hop behind the wheel and handle it themselves than call 911. But, “stubborn” doesn’t cut it when you’re endangering yourself and others using your “hard head” to avoid an ambulance bill – and the prompt, effective medical treatment that comes with that bill.

Before I went to EMT school (some years back), I didn’t understand what went on in the back of an ambulance. Things like oxygen masks, and people strapped down to back boards…CPR, and excitement and a rough ride involving lights and sirens…as seen on TV. And, while there that all goes on, there is also medical care happening that can change outcomes and save lives.

A good paramedic is amazing, when it comes to staying cool, thinking clearly and moving quickly in a difficult situation. Give that paramedic a skilled EMT partner, and you have some crazy great medical care going on – on the way to the hospital. Doesn’t that sound better than hopping behind the wheel and hoping for the best?

My observation is that if it really is your time to go, a good paramedic can’t save you. But, if you’ve fallen through some cosmic crack and today’s not really your day to die – an ambulance ride with a good paramedic can keep you from heading towards that white light until it really is your time.

So…if you think you’re having a heart attack or a stroke or any other serious medical event – call 911. The ambulance will show up quickly and your treatment will begin the moment those medics walk through your door.

Another thing that is important to do - in the unfortunate event of an emergency - is to have the information the medical people need to treat you, right there obvious and easily accessible in your wallet, cell phone and pocket book. That would include: basic medical history (medical conditions, drug allergies, doctor’s name, and what medicines you take); and, who to contact – names, relationship, land line, work number and cell.

Carrying these details with you gives the medical people the information they need to start treating you, and it gives the social worker the information she needs to contact your family and get them to the hospital.

I make my family carry little cards in their wallets that state name, medical conditions, drug allergies, MD name and emergency contacts. I make them wrap those little cards around their insurance card, so they will be one of the first things the ER staff takes a look at. I also make them put identifiers in their cell phone numbers – Emmi-daughter; Dylan-son; Lorin-wife – so anyone who had their phone would know who to call.

This all may seem a little paranoid, but emergencies, by nature, happen suddenly, are not expected, and require prompt action. There is no excuse not to maximize one’s chances of making it through with the best possible medical care and the least possible trauma to the ones we love.

So, the next time you – or anyone you love – feels like they really are having a medical emergency, the action plan is “Call 911.” Then, all that good information in the cell phone and the wallet will help the paramedics and ER staff do as good a job as possible in handling the problem.

And, then, after the smoke clears, you won’t be left wondering (God forbid!) if Dad would’ve made it, if he had only called the ambulance…or (better case) Dad won’t have to hear an unwelcome lecture about how stupid he was, driving himself to the hospital, while still lying there, in that uncomfortable hospital bed…