what is better - calling 911, or driving to the ER?

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07/15/2015 22:33

Subject: what is better - calling 911, or driving to the ER?

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Anonymous

I once drove my mother to the hospital and she was unable to walk so I asked for help getting her out of the car and into the ER. I was chastised for not calling an ambulance because they have that kind of expertise, or something. It was very stressful and I was not happy to be scolded.

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07/15/2015 22:50

Subject: Re:what is better - calling 911, or driving to the ER?

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Anonymous

One of the reasons that we picked this house is that the local hospital is very close. We are 1/2 mile to the hospital, but 1 mile from the firehouse where the local EMT/ambulance is. We literally have to drive past the hospital to get to the firehouse.

If time was of the essence, I would drive because I can get to the ER before the ambulance can get to me. However, if there were an issue where I would either not want to move the person/child or there was a condition where I wanted medical attention before moving the patient, I would call 911.

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07/15/2015 23:05

Subject: what is better - calling 911, or driving to the ER?

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Anonymous

Unless you can get to the ER in under 10 mins, call the EMTs if you need immediate treatment.

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07/16/2015 05:48

Subject: what is better - calling 911, or driving to the ER?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:My general rule of thumb is if it is potentially life threatening (even an allergic reaction beyond hives or an asthma attack that isnt helped by an emergency inhaler) call 911. Even if the traffic is worse or it takes more time, you'll be with emts who can deal with the situation or if the situation gets worse, can handle it.

Not if you live in McLean where it can take 20 minutes for an ambulance!! Also not every ambulance has an epi..something to check where you live

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07/16/2015 08:38

Subject: Re:what is better - calling 911, or driving to the ER?

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Anonymous

We drove to the ER and they took us right away when we told them why. Front desk is used to people staggering in.

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07/17/2015 21:17

Subject: what is better - calling 911, or driving to the ER?

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Anonymous

What is typical for insurance coverage for a 911/ambulance charge?

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07/17/2015 21:24

Subject: Re:what is better - calling 911, or driving to the ER?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in MoCo and the average ambulance (basic life support, not advanced life support) response time is well under 6 minutes all over the County. If I lived somewhere were response times were longer and/or not reliable, I'd probably drive, depending on the injury/illness.

+1. we are very fortunate to have quick response times.

I'm in Howard County and attended a (free- County sponsored) CPR class last night where I learned our response rate is 6 minutes nearly anywhere in the County including our extreme west. More like 3 minutes close in.