This information provided by the American College of Emergency Physicians

When should you call an ambulance instead of driving to the emergency room? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the victim's condition life-threatening?
• Could the victim's condition worsen and become life-threatening on the way to the hospital?
• Could moving the victim cause further injury?
• Does the victim need the skills or equipment of paramedics or emergency medical technicians?
• Would distance or traffic conditions cause a delay in getting the victim to a hospital?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes" or if you are unsure, it's best to call an ambulance. This is true even though you can sometimes get to the hospital faster by driving than by calling an ambulance. Paramedics and emergency medical technicians communicate with the physician in the emergency department by radio. They are also trained to begin medical treatment on the way to the hospital. This prevents any delay that could occur if the patient is driven to the emergency department. The ambulance can also alert the emergency department of the patient's condition in advance.

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