Gary Reis has served as the president of Access Ambulance Service since July 2007, when the company began with just two ambulances. Now, Gary Reis oversees the dispatch of ambulances across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
If a person’s medical condition threatens his or her life or could deteriorate and become life-threatening in private transport to medical care, an ambulance may be necessary. This is true even when time is of the essence, as an ambulance contains medical equipment and skilled professionals who can begin treatment in transit if necessary.
Ambulance dispatchers are trained to send a vehicle as quickly as possible, but they do need to know the situation. Ideally, the caller will be able to describe what happened and relate the victim’s symptoms and location.
The dispatcher will also need to know the number from which the caller is calling. This can help the dispatch office to locate the victim.
One of the most important things for a caller to remember, however, is not to disconnect the call until the dispatcher gives the okay. The dispatcher may need to convey essential information or ask the caller more about the situation. For this reason, it is important for the caller to stay on the line until the ambulance arrives or the dispatcher gives the order to hang up.
