When Should You Call an Ambulance Instead of Driving to Hospital?

Families often lose critical time debating whether to wait for an ambulance or drive the patient themselves. These signs mean you should call.

Call an ambulance immediately if there is

• Chest pain or pressure, especially with sweating, nausea or pain in the arm or jaw
• Sudden weakness on one side, face drooping or slurred speech — possible stroke
• Severe breathing difficulty, blue lips or oxygen saturation below 90%
• Unconsciousness, or a fit that does not stop
• Heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure
• A serious fall or road accident, especially with a possible spine or neck injury
• Suspected poisoning or overdose

Why the ambulance is safer than a car in these cases

Treatment starts on the road. Oxygen, positioning, suction and monitoring during the journey change outcomes for cardiac, stroke and trauma patients. A car cannot carry a patient flat, cannot immobilise a spine, and gives you nowhere to help if the patient deteriorates on the way.

When driving is reasonable

A stable patient who can walk and sit — a minor cut, moderate fever, a routine check-up — can usually go by car. If you are unsure, call and describe the situation; we will tell you honestly whether you need us.

For any of the warning signs above in Lahore, call 0326 514 3944 now.