Healthy Life
When things go wrong, it’s good to know that help is on the way. Here’s how an ambulance sets you on the road to recovery.
1. Your call can save a life
A call to the emergency number is routed to a contact centre. An operator takes down all the necessary information about what and where the problem is, as well as the name and contact details of the caller. The information is relayed to a dispatcher, who sends the nearest appropriate response vehicle to the scene.
2. At the forefront
Two life-support personnel with complementary skills are on call in an ambulance. Excellent driving skills and an ingrained knowledge of maps and access routes in the area allow them to respond to a call quickly and safely. Radio communication keeps them in touch with the contact centre, either to call for back-up support or receive updates from the scene.
3. Lights and sound
Flashing red lights and a siren are used to alert other road users of the oncoming emergency vehicle. If you see or hear an ambulance coming, pull to the side of the road to let it pass safely.
4. Ready for action
A cabinet filled with stabilisation equipment is fitted along one side of the back compartment. Here you’ll find spine boards, head blocks and spider straps to keep a patient with spinal injuries in a stable position, splints for fractures and wrap-around braces to lift patients from seated positions.
5. In and out
A stretcher fits snugly between the two side panels. It is secured by a brake, but can easily be released by pressing on a lever. Hydraulic lifts push ?the stretcher up from its folded position. It is fitted with sturdy wheels that roll smoothly over any terrain.
6. Stock exchange
A row of cupboards with extra supplies is fitted along one side of the back compartment. Above the bench is a hook for fluid pouches for intravenous lines and a nozzle for attaching an oxygen cylinder.
7. Heart smart
A portable ECG (electrocardiogram) machine is used to monitor a patient’s heart rhythm. Battery power allows for use on the scene, whereas a conveniently positioned power outlet can power the device while a patient is in transit. Sturdy straps keep the device securely in place while the ambulance is on the move.
8. And suction!
A portable suction unit is helpful to clear excess body fluids from airways.
9. Hot seat
Strapped to the seat is a jump bag. It’s like a flip file of diagnostic equipment and disposable supplies, organised with transparent compartments dedicated to specific tasks. The top pouch has a blood-pressure meter, a saturation meter to check a patient’s oxygen levels and airway equipment. The side panels hold bandages and a blood-glucose monitor. In the front you’ll find a collection of detachable zip pouches filled with supplies to deal with anything from treating cuts and burns to delivering a baby.
How can I help the response team?
Hennie Madeley, branch manager of ER24 Pretoria, offers advice on how you can help the response team help you:
- Know the emergency number: dial 084 124 for ER24.
- Stay calm and give the call-centre operator the correct information so they can send help quickly.
- Know where you are. If you’re at home, give your street address and the name of the nearest intersection. If you need roadside assistance, give the name of the road and the direction in which you were travelling.
- Describe what has happened – briefly but accurately – so that the most appropriate response unit can be sent.
- Provide your phone number as well as an alternative number so that the response team can give you feedback later.
If you’d like to know what constitutes an emergency, click here.
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