What happens if you call an ambulance for an asthma attack?
November 25th, 2004 by admin
aussiechic asked:
I have asthma, i’ve never had an ambulance come, but i was wondering what happens if you do call an ambulance? What exactly do the paramedics do? and what happens when you get to the hospital? A detailed answer would be great.
I have asthma, i’ve never had an ambulance come, but i was wondering what happens if you do call an ambulance? What exactly do the paramedics do? and what happens when you get to the hospital? A detailed answer would be great.
- Posted in Asthma
November 27th, 2004 at 1:36 am
The basic duty of the paramedics is to stabilize the patient and rapid transport to the nearest ER.
They would most likely put oxygen on you, load you into the ambulance, and start transport. In rout, they may give you a drug nebulizer treatment to help open your airways. You should have a similar medication at home with you. In the worst case scenario, they may give you an injection of a medication called epinephrine.
November 27th, 2004 at 11:43 pm
Depends on the crew , but also how badly you are affected by tyhe attack , if you are obviously in difficulties and the crew have no other urgent call , then no reason why they shouldnt take you .
they are not Doctors just paramedics and have no right to make diagnoses that may affect your life.
they could administer oxygen if they think its justified. but mainly being calm and reasuring . all this also depends on your age general health and personal situation.
You are the best person to judge your own health state , so try not to misuse an emergency service if you can help it.
Same thing applies to hospitals , they wont refuse you but may not be very sympathetic if you are not really in any danger from your attack.
November 28th, 2004 at 8:38 am
The paramedics will assess the situation and most likely give you a breathing treatment of albuterol. This is the same stuff that is in an inhaler, but its just done over a longer period of time while you are on oxygen. When you arrive at the hospital, they will run tests such as chest x-rays to verify that it is asthma and not another underlying cause. They will give you more breathing treatments until the symptoms resolve. Remember, if you have any doubts, call for an ambulance. It is better safe than sorry.
November 28th, 2004 at 8:34 pm
Well upon arrival they will assess your condition using instruments like a “pulse-oximiter” that clips on you finger and measures the oxygen levels in your blood. You would most likely be put on oxygen at a high flow with a mask (called a non-rebreather). It will deliver a concentration of 100% via a reservoir bag rather than the 21% “room air” percentage. More than likely this will be done in your home. Once you are transferred to the ambulance a paramedic will give you a nebulizer treatment either by mask or a 1″ tubular pipe with a bowel on the bottom that holds the medication;Most likely Alburterol. In the event that you go unconscious or in respiratory arrest the paramedic will intubate you with a tube directly into your lungs. With this you will likely get IV(IntraVenous) therapy. The best thing you can do to help yourself is to keep your inhaler with you and don’t hesitate to call for help if you are in distress and the inhaler is not effective. In Pa most EMS providers have a targeted 7min response time + the distance to your house to the station at a rate of 1min 10sec. per mile.