Ambulance Emergencies - Bleeding - Broken Bones - Burns - Choking - Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - Fire Emergencies - Heart Attack - Poisoning - Police Emergencies - Seizures - Shock - Unconsciousness

Know when it's an emergency

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether your problem is serious or not. Here are just a few examples* of when you require emergency medical care - and you should call 911 or go to an emergency department.

• When you are experiencing pains or tightness in the chest
• When you have severe pain
• When you have shortness of breath
• When a person is choking or having difficulty breathing
• When you think you may have fractured or broken a bone, or have a wound that may need stitches
• When you have sudden, severe headaches, vision problems, sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, or dizziness
• If your child has diarrhea and vomiting and won't eat or drink
• When a baby under six month has a fever over 38.5°C (101°F)

*If you have any doubts, call 911. The ambulance will take you to the appropriate emergency department.

Remember:

• The ambulance can't help you if they can't find you
• Stay calm - give clear information
• Clear a path to the patient - move furniture, unlock doors
• If possible have someone meet the ambulance
• Be sure your house number is clearly visible from the street
• If you live in a house - turn on the outside lights at night
• If you live in an apartment - try to meet the ambulance at the lobby door and have the elevator ready.
• Do not move the patient, unless life is threatened.

What to do

Be prepared to answer the following questions related to the patient's condition:

• Consciousness
• Breathing
• Bleeding

In Toronto, call the emergency number 911 for medical emergencies. Be sure to state your name, address of the emergency and phone number from where you are calling.