Ever wonder, “Should I call 9-1-1 and go by ambulance for my health problem?”

Let us help you answer that question!

KPIG Radio Interview

First, if you can safely go by a passenger vehicle to the emergency room (or an urgent care or primary care doctor), or if you can call a friend for assistance (i.e. lift assist), please do not call 9-1-1 for an ambulance.

HOW CAN AN AMBULANCE HELP ME RELATED TO THE COVID PANDEMIC?
1. LifeNet does NOT do COVID tests, and we cannot test you when the ambulance arrives at your home. For COVID tests, go to a local urgent care or physician’s clinic.
2. LifeNet is NOT the best resource to call if you just have questions about your COVID Symptoms. Please call your Primary Care Doctor or the State Department of Health for those types of questions.
3. LifeNet is NOT the service to call if you only have mild symptoms that can be managed by your primary care physician or an urgent care.
4. LifeNet IS the service to call if you have COVID and have confusion, the inability to wake up or stay awake, chest pain and pressure, severe difficulty breathing, or blue coloring in the face or lips.

SHOULD I CALL AN AMBULANCE FOR OTHER THINGS?
1. If the problem can cause long-term damage to the quality of life or the patient’s life is endangered and needs immediate help, call 9-1-1.
2. If the patient is having a heart attack or a stroke or suffered sudden cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1.
3. If moving the patient by passenger vehicle could cause further damage (i.e. neck or spine injuries), call 9-1-1.
4. If the patient has a pre-existing condition or medical equipment that adds to the complication and makes passenger vehicle transport unsafe, call 9-1-1.
5. For most other calls, if the patient can safely go by passenger vehicle to get medical attention, do not call 9-1-1.

A FUN FACT ABOUT ER TRIAGE
Calling an ambulance does NOT get you seen faster in the emergency room. You will be triaged like other patients and seen in the order the emergency room can assist you based off the needs of other patients.

FOR TRUE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, please call 9-1-1.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to us by commenting below!