Response to 999 calls

Question 1

how do the emergency services manage a 999 call

Answer 1

A 999 call can be complex, however there are 3 main stages
1 call for help and triage
2 ambulance service response
3 onward patient care

Question 2

Call for help and triage, what happens

Answer 2

after a 999 or 111 call is made the call we be forwarded to either the police, fire, ambulance or coast guard

Question 3

what happens after the 999 call is connected to the ambulance emergency (EOC)

Answer 3

a qualified call handler will ask a series of triage questions, to identify callers that need an ambulance the most and those that can be given other path ways eg gp walk in centre minor injuries unit HSCIC 2014a

Question 4

In general the triage system is divided into how many groups and what are they

Answer 4

Red call life threatening calls inital response 8mins
Amber response, serious but not life threatening
Green calls are generally not considered to be emergencies

Question 5

what are the 2 main response after triage

Answer 5

hear and treat

physical response

Question 6

what is hear and treat

Answer 6

hear and treat is where the patient is advised how to look after themselves or recommend a care provider
gp

Question 7

what is a physical response

Answer 7

for the majority of 999 calls, the ambulance service will send a physical response such as 
emergency ambulance
first responder 
HART
and various others