Help the Ambulance Crew Help You

By Suzanne Hinman

It was late on a snowy winter night when the Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance (NCLA) received a call that an elderly person had fallen and required assistance. When the volunteers arrived, they encountered an all-too frequent situation: an anxious pet trying to protect an owner in distress. But on this call, the unexpected occurred: The dog lunged and bit a first responder in the leg.

Even the best Girl or Boy Scouts cannot plan for every emergency, but there are certain things that can be done to assist emergency crews and make their job easier when they come. That includes making sure that all dogs and cats are secured. That will provide peace of mind and enable volunteers to fully focus on the emergency at hand.

“This was a lesson and I learned it well. I talked to the dog and thought we were good,” said the ambulance volunteer, who was taken by surprise when the dog lunged. “The dog was not unfriendly but protecting his owner from a perceived threat.’’

The Norfolk volunteer did not experience a serious injury, although the individual reported a “good bruise” and teeth marks. Despite that, the incident resulted in delayed treatment of the elderly caller, plus paperwork and medical follow ups and a prescription for antibiotics for the volunteer.

So take a moment and think ahead—just in case the unexpected happens and you require emergency assistance. In addition to keeping pets out of the way, ensure clear access to the house. In winter, keep driveways and walkways clear of snow and ice—a nasty winter nemesis, it can hide under snow and develop unexpectedly with sudden temperature drops. Keep a supply of rock salt and/or sand near entryways. Most important of all, unlock the front door before first responders arrive and turn on outside lights.

PLEASE maintain a written list of your current medications, allergies and medical issues and post it somewhere clearly visible, such as your refrigerator. The NCLA annual letter included a “file of life” card, along with a magnet to stick it onto your refrigerator. More are available if you do not have one but also keep a back-up list in your wallet or phone. That documentation can save EMS providers valuable time and can be sent to the receiving hospital prior to your arrival, giving the emergency room staff important information and enabling them to prepare for your care.

If you or a neighbor or loved one is suffering a medical emergency, the goal of EMS is to get you to medical treatment as quickly as possible. Ensuring access and providing pertinent information can help us to help you.

For any questions, please email NLCA at: norfolkambulancect@gmail.com or visit the website at norfolkambulance.org.

—Additional reporting by Avice Meehan