americans and ambulances

[regulators]

i was watching a true story on from america on reality tv on sky and people on it were becoming violently ill with food poisoning, it seemed that everyone takes their  own family to the hospital in their own cars why dont they just call emergency ambulance it must be quicker and safer

[Peter Pedant]

erm because they would have to pay.

Amerikee does not have a socialised medical system 9as we do in the UK) and an incredible number are under or uninsured. Is it two million or twenty million have no insurance? whatever it is, v large.

[Ouisch]

It would depend upon the situation and the location and other things.  If I knew for sure it was just food poisoning, I'd drive myself to the ER.  Personally, I've got insurance, so it's not the cost; I guess we just grow up thinking that ambulances are for life-or-death situations, so why tie one up for food poisoning?  (I once fell very ill when I *didn't* have insurance, and an ambulance was called; total cost for the ride was $60, so it's not an exhorbinant amount, if you do need one).  Also, most times the EMS (Paramedics) arrive at the scene before an ambulance, and they stabilize or treat a patient on the spot before transporting them to the hospital.  EMS services are provided by the city (ambulances are privately owned) and therefore no charge.  I don't think ambulance personnel can administer as much help or treatment as a paramedic, so what's the point of calling them for food poisoning?  An ambulance is just basically a fast ride to the hospital.

[Eiregirl]

I'd agree with Ouisch.  In the States, you'd only think to call an ambulance in a situation where time was of the essence or if you were so hurt/sick/wounded that you couldn't drive yourself.  I wouldn't hesitate to call because of the cost.

People here in Ireland are more inclined to call an ambulance any time they need to go to the hospital.  First couple of times I had to drive my sick child to the hospital in the middle of the night, they were surprised that I didn't arrive via EMS.  That being said, Dublin traffic is a consistent nightmare so if I wanted to get there during the day it would be the only way to go!

[dan_999uk]

In fact, you should only call am ambulance if there is an emergency - an emergency is a critical or life threatening situation such as a suspected heart
attack, chest pain, unconsciousness, heavy blood loss, serious accident, broken bone, severe breathing difficulties or head injuries.

If you can go by car, then do go by car - we're busy enough without going to some of the cr@p we get (headaches, period pains, sprained ankles, stomach ache).