When EMS arrives

What to Expect When Emergency Medical Services Arrives

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responds to a variety of calls for help, from motor vehicle crashes and accidents to medical emergencies. Let's spend a few minutes talking about what to expect if you or your family calls 911 for EMS for medical assistance. That way we can make that moment a little less scary, and a little more understandable.

EMS Providers

EMS has greatly evolved over the years. EMS providers are able to recognize and treat most any medical or traumatic condition while transporting a patient to the hospital. EMS services vary nationwide—some employ paramedics (advanced life support providers who can administer intravenous medications, monitor the heart, etc.) and others staff EMTs (basic life support providers who may be able to administer limited oral medications).

It can be sort of confusing as to what each level of provider can perform in the out-of-hospital setting. Regardless, all function under medical control via standing orders or direct contact with a physician, and all provide the best possible patient care.


When you call for help, EMS will immediately respond, usually with an ambulance staffed with two or three personnel. Additionally, other first responders such as fire departments or law enforcement agencies may also respond to your location. Do not be surprised if five people arrive to help.

Also, the use of lights and sirens for these responding agencies is directed by state regulations and departmental policy, despite requests to minimize drawing attention.

Providing Care

These personnel will immediately begin caring for the ill or injured. Some of the activities may include: 

History & Physical Examination 
One technician will typically start asking pertinent medical questions which center on past medical history, current medications, allergies, physician's name, and hospital choice, while the other will begin the examination and treatment. Specific questions may include when the patient ate last, when and what medications were last administered, if unusual stressors have been present (e.g., infections, stress, exercise) and what the person was doing prior to the incident.

They will also, most likely, ask other questions unrelated to the condition. Family members can help EMS by compiling a list or gathering all of the patient's information and medications. Keep a current list of medications (include the medication name, dose and administration frequency) and a complete past medical history. This will help ensure the necessary patient information is relayed to medical providers.

This information should also be readily accessible (either in a wallet if the person is away from home, or with the medications if at home). Family members should also keep a copy. Medic-Alert bracelets, or similar devices, are a fantastic method of alerting medical personnel to important patient history.

Treatment, will vary according to EMS provider. The patient may receive oxygen, medications, ECG monitoring, fluid administration, or a host of other interventions. If the patient is conscious, treatment options should be discussed with both the patient and family members.

EMS will generally transport to the hospital designated by the patient. If the patient is critical or unable to communicate his or her wishes, EMS will follow specific guidelines for transport. Most generally, EMS does not transport patients with the use of lights or sirens.


Prevention of an emergency is always best. Talk to your doctor about what should happen if you need emergency medical assistance. We hope this brief explanation of EMS and how it functions will be useful if emergency care is needed. Know that the EMS providers truly care about you.