The emergency medical services ( EMS ) system is a network of community resources and personnel organized to give emergency care in cases of injury or sudden illness.
There are several different kinds of trained personnel who may respond after you call for help.
First Responders : These includes police, firefighters, or job-specific personnel such as athletic trainers or industrial safety personnel.
Paramedics : These are highly specialized emergency personnel who can often administer medications, including medications that are given intravenously in some cases. They provide the highest level of pre-hospital care.
You should call EMS/9-1-1 in cases of :
Danger to you or to others.
Unconsciousness or an altered level of consciousness.
Difficulty breathing or no signs of breathing.
Persistent chest pain or pressure.
Deadly bleeding.
Seizures, severe headache, or slurred speech.
Injuries to the head or spine.
Blood in vomit, urine, or stool.
Imminent childbirth.
Never try to drive an ill or injured person if the condition is life-threatening or if it may become life-threatening. Instead, call EMS/ 9-1-1 and wait for help.