By Kaitlyn Clark
The Haldimand Press
So you’ve called 911, the operator has directed you to the needed emergency service, and you’ve answered their questions. Now, the ambulance, fire truck, or police cruiser is on its way to your address.
In the movies, the scene might cut directly to their arrival. But in real life, now you’ve got to wait for them. If there’s been a fire the most important thing of course is to get out of the house and to a safe location – this should be a meeting spot you’ve preplanned as part of your escape plan, ensuring all members of a family can be accounted for easily.
But what if you’re waiting on EMS or police, with no immediate threat requiring you leave the residence?
If you’re able, don’t just wait around – get ready to help!
Below are some tips from Haldimand County’s Deputy Chief of Paramedic Services, Nicholas Koopman, on what you can do to make things easier for incoming first responders.
Make sure pets are secured away from any patient(s). They are very protective of their owners.
Have the exterior lights on, especially now with it getting darker sooner.
Make sure your 911 sign or house number is visible and not obstructed from the street.
For medical calls, any medications can be gathered, and if available a list should be provided to the paramedics. A list is preferred to avoid them accidentally being misplaced.
If you still have the old Red and White Health Card, get an updated Photo ID green version.
Note: Following the pandemic, Ontarians were given to September 30, 2022 to ensure their health card is up to date.
If your health card is still expired, you will not be denied healthcare, but you may be required to pay for services until you renew. If you still have a red and white health card, visit ontario.ca/page/switch-photo-health-card for more information on how to get an updated card. If you need to renew your green health card (which must be done every five years), visit ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal. Both services are offered free of charge.
