An ambulance ride can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you're in pain or facing a medical emergency. While ambulance staff are highly trained professionals, there are still steps you can take to ensure your own (or a loved one's) safety and comfort during the ride.
Stay calm
In an emergency, maintaining a calm demeanor helps the emergency medical services (EMS) team focus on providing care rather than managing additional stress. Remaining as calm as possible can help you communicate more clearly with emergency responders and make it easier for them to assess your condition. If you're accompanying a patient, your calm reassurance can also help reduce their anxiety.
Consider bringing your essentials
If the situation allows, bring your identification, insurance card, medication list, glasses, hearing aids, phone charger, and any advance directive documents. However, if it's a life-threatening emergency, don't delay transport to gather belongings.
To learn more about being prepared for medical emergencies, read our Learning Center article on “What EMS teams wish every caller knew.”
Provide accurate information
As soon as possible, share all relevant medical information with the EMS team. This includes your medical history, current medications, allergies, recent surgeries, information about any implanted devices (such as a pacemaker, insulin pump, etc.), and any specific conditions. They may also need your emergency contact information. Accurate details help the team provide appropriate care and make informed decisions.
Be honest about your symptoms
Tell the EMS team exactly what you're experiencing, even if a symptom seems embarrassing or unrelated. Also let them know if you've taken medications, alcohol, or recreational drugs, as this information can affect treatment decisions.
It’s safe to speak up
If you're worried about being judged or getting in trouble, remember: EMS isn't there to investigate your choices or prosecute you. Whether you've experienced a mental health crisis, took too much of a medication, or made a decision you regret, paramedics are focused on your health and safety.
EMS Battalion Chief and MASA Senior Regional Sales Executive Jaran Floyd said in a recent interview, "We're not the police. We're here to help you. We’re thinking: How can we help? At the end of the day, that's our goal. We want to get that person the help that they need."
The more honest you are about what's happening, what you've taken, or how you're feeling, the better EMS can care for you.
Follow instructions
Listen carefully and follow the instructions given by the emergency medical professionals. Whether it's how to position yourself or how to use breathing equipment, adhering to their directions helps ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the care provided.
Be aware of medical equipment
Ambulances are equipped with life-saving tools such as oxygen tanks, monitors, IV bags, and defibrillators. These devices are essential to providing proper care, but they can pose a risk if they aren't handled carefully. Do not touch or adjust any of the equipment unless directed by the paramedics.
Obey safety guidelines
Adhere to all safety guidelines provided by the EMS team. This includes wearing seatbelts and avoiding unnecessary movements or disruptions. Remember, the medical team is there to assist you, and your cooperation is a key part of a successful emergency response.
Use your phone thoughtfully
If you need to contact family members or update someone about the situation, keep calls brief and avoid distracting the EMS team while they're providing care. If emergency personnel need your attention or information, put your phone away and focus on their instructions.
Ask questions
If you're unsure about any aspect of the transport or your care, don't hesitate to ask questions. Understanding what is happening and why can help reduce anxiety and ensure you're fully informed about your situation.
Let the crew know if your condition changes
Even if you felt stable when the ambulance arrived, tell the medical team immediately if you develop chest pain, have trouble breathing, become dizzy, notice any new symptoms during transport, or your pain worsens.
Observe and communicate
If you're accompanying a loved one, let the medical team know if you notice any changes in the patient's symptoms, such as increased pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, or loss of responsiveness. Avoid interfering with patient care, and allow the crew enough space to perform their work safely.
Rely on MASA
While emergency responders focus on getting you the care you need, it's also helpful to understand what comes after the emergency — including the cost of medical transportation. Because patients typically can't choose their ambulance provider during an emergency, out-of-network ambulance bills may occur.
MASA helps provide peace of mind by protecting against eligible emergency medical transportation expenses and offering access to certain post-emergency care services. If you have MASA protection, simply submit your eligible medical transportation bill through the member portal, and we'll process your claim according to your membership plan benefits.
Preparing for an emergency isn't just about knowing what to do in the moment, it's also about understanding the resources available to support you afterward. By staying informed, following the guidance of emergency medical professionals, and having the right coverage and protections in place, you can approach emergency medical transportation with greater confidence and peace of mind.
