Why do the people on emergency line sit there and ask you questions instead of sending an ambulance during emergency?

Emergency line personnel follow specific procedures and protocols to ensure that the appropriate resources are dispatched and that callers receive the help they need. Here's why they might ask questions before sending an ambulance:

1. Triaging the Emergency: Emergency line personnel are trained to triage calls and assess the severity of the situation. By asking questions, they can determine the nature of the emergency, whether it requires an ambulance, and the level of urgency. This helps prioritize responses and allocate resources effectively.

2. Gathering Essential Information: Accurate information is crucial for providing appropriate care. Emergency line personnel ask questions to collect details such as the caller's location, the condition of the person in need, and any relevant symptoms. This information helps the dispatcher determine the type of medical assistance required, such as basic life support or specialized care.

3. Ensuring Safety: Before sending an ambulance, the emergency personnel must ensure that the scene is safe for both the responders and the person in need. They may ask questions to assess if there are any hazards or risks that could compromise safety.

4. Providing Pre-Arrival Instructions: While the ambulance is on its way, the emergency personnel can provide pre-arrival instructions to the caller. These instructions may include basic first aid or actions to take until the ambulance arrives. This can be especially important in life-threatening situations.

5. Dispatching the Appropriate Resources: Based on the information gathered, the emergency line personnel can determine the most appropriate resources to dispatch. This could include an ambulance, a medical team, or other emergency services. Asking questions helps ensure that the right resources are sent to match the specific needs of the situation.

6. Efficient Use of Resources: Emergency services have limited resources, and proper triage helps ensure that ambulances and other resources are used efficiently. Asking questions allows emergency line personnel to prioritize calls and dispatch resources where they are most needed, potentially saving lives in other critical situations.

It's important to remember that emergency line personnel are trained professionals who follow established protocols to ensure the best possible response to emergencies. While it may seem like they are delaying assistance by asking questions, these questions play a crucial role in providing timely and appropriate care.