Our 3-part podcast series on 911 calls concludes this week with a focus on what happens after the ambulance arrives. It can be a confusing and emotional time, but with the right knowledge, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are taken care of.
#1 / Prioritize the importance of your own well-being.
In the adrenaline rush, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Make sure you are calm and composed before attempting to drive or follow the ambulance.
#2 / Gather any needed information and take charge.
Find out where the ambulance is taking your loved one and ask if there’s a specific hospital that specializes in their condition. If possible, gather important medical information like medication lists and insurance cards.
#3 / Prepare for the hospital stay.
While you wait for news, pack a change of clothes, toiletries, and any comfort items your loved one might like to have. If you know they’ll be there for a while, consider bringing a phone charger and their favorite snacks (hospital food isn’t always the best!).
#4 / If things don’t go as planned.
Your loved one may refuse medical transport. Should this happen we advise following up with an urgent care clinic or the emergency room to ensure a proper medical evaluation.
By being prepared and informed, you can help take control of a difficult situation. Listen to our full podcast episode to learn more about what to do after the ambulance leaves.
If you missed the first 2 posts in our series you can find them here:
Part 1: Emergency Decisions: what you need to know…
Part 2: Once the crisis is over… do you know what to do next?
This Week’s Episode / #17
The Aftermath of a 911 Call: Navigating Post-Emergency Challenges
This week we are wrapping up our 3-part series on 911 calls. Imagine the ambulance has departed and is now whisking your loved one off to the hospital with sirens wailing. Now what? Let us give you some guidance on what to do next for yourself and for your loved ones. You’ll learn how to stay calm, take charge, and even prepare for a hospital stay. (check out the checklist above) We will also touch on what to do if the a patient refuses medical transport, and the proper way to clean up bodily fluids. Finally, you’ll hear a touching reminder about the importance of mental health support for first responders. So make sure to listen in! Just click the podcast cover and this episode will be right at the top of the page. Or you can download the episode here.
Here’s where you can find the podcast.
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