Every second counts in a medical emergency

Stanthorpe paramedics are trying to reinforce the importance of phoning triple-zero (000) in a medical emergency.
Officer in charge Bill Martin said people often waited too long to phone the triple-zero emergency number, because they think their case is not serious enough.
“Often people are reluctant to acknowledge that it’s an emergency, but there are certain signs that shouldn’t be ignored when deciding whether or not to phone triple-zero for an ambulance,” he said.
“Symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulties, uncontrolled bleeding and lapses in consciousness should be treated as serious and triple-zero should be phoned immediately.
“A lot of people mistakenly blame chest pains on indigestion when in fact they’re having a heart attack.
“In emergencies, every second counts and an early phone call to triple-zero could end up saving someone’s life.”
Mr Martin said whether calling from a landline or mobile, triple-zero was the number to call.
“First of all you’ll get through to an emergency Telstra switch and you will be asked which service you require – ambulance, fire or police,” he said.
“If you require an ambulance, you will be connected to a QAS emergency medical dispatcher, who will ask some questions relating to the emergency.
“It is important you don’t hang up until told to by the operator. The ambulance will be on its way while the dispatcher is talking to you, and the dispatcher may give you instructions to help the patient while you wait.
“It is also very important to teach children to call triple-zero in a medical emergency. Children as young as two can be taught and it is also very important when on school holidays and at a different address for everyone to know the correct address,” he said.
If you would like to know more or are interested in what equipment and procedures are used in a modern ambulance service, please call at the new station this Saturday.
The Stanthorpe Local Ambulance Committee and Stanthorpe paramedics are holding an Open Day for the local community to look through the new building and see how QAS can help you.
They have balloons and stickers for the children, a gold coin sausage sizzle, first aid kits and supplies available from the Local Ambulance Committee as well as a tour of the new station.  Come along and enjoy from 9am to 1pm on Saturday.