Logo Samaritanus

Logo Ambulanță Ambulance Service Authorized by the Ministry of Health – 12191/2024

Patient’s Guide – When to Call an Ambulance

Patient Library and Medical Recommendations: This section of our website provides general medical information to help you properly address medical services, depending on the condition you or a loved one is experiencing.

Below are some of the most common acute conditions encountered, with information on symptoms and the actions we advise you to take.

For medical emergencies, contact our services: home medical consultations and assisted and unassisted medical transport.

  • Abdominal Pain in Adults
    • GREEN CODE EMERGENCY – REQUEST AN URGENT HOME CONSULTATION IF YOU HAVE:
      • heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux
      • constipation;
      • menstrual cramps, pregnancy less than 20 weeks;
      • abdominal pain and fever, not pregnant, no weakness;
      • unspecified pain, not pregnant, no weakness;
      • diarrhea and vomiting, otherwise fine;
      • suspected appendicitis, otherwise fine;
      • pain in the lower abdominal region in a male, problems with urination;
      • abdominal pain lasting more than one day, not worsening;
      • constrictive pain in the abdomen.
    • CONSULT YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR FOR:
      • Heartburn that does not respond to medication or lasts for more than two weeks.
    • RED CODE EMERGENCY – CALL 112 IF THE PERSON:
      • Vomiting blood;
      • Has severe difficulty breathing.
    • GENERAL ADVICE:
      • For pain, avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen, Marcofen, etc.), as they can cause stomach irritation.
  • General Advice Diarrhea
    • GREEN CODE EMERGENCY – REQUEST AN URGENT HOME CONSULTATION FOR:
      • Diarrhea and vomiting, otherwise fine.
      • More than 2 episodes of diarrhea in an hour;
      • You or your child have any other medical issues and also have diarrhea;
      • Diarrhea in an adult worsens or shows no signs of stopping after 2 or 3 days;
      • The child does not feel better after 24 hours.
    • CONSULT YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR FOR:
      • 2-3 episodes of diarrhea in 24 hours
    • RED CODE EMERGENCY – CALL 112 IF THE VICTIM:
      • She is very dehydrated;
      • She has severe abdominal pain;
      • There is blood or mucus in the stool, or the stool is black.
    • General Advice
      • Consume fluids.
      • Ask your doctor which fluids are best for you or your child. Here are a few basic tips:
      • An adult should consume as many fluids as possible, such as natural fruit juices, carbonated drinks, or broth. Avoid milk or dairy products, alcohol, apple juice, and caffeine while you have diarrhea and for 3-5 days after you start feeling better. These can worsen diarrhea.
      • Make sure you drink more fluids than you lose through diarrhea. If you are unable to keep up with your fluid loss, call a doctor.
      • Rest
      • You need rest and should avoid intense physical activity. A sick child should be kept at home, away from school or daycare.
      • Easy diet
      • The food should consist of easily digestible items; for example, bananas, rice, and toast are good choices.
      • Gradually add semi-solid and low-fiber foods as the diarrhea stops. Avoid spicy, oily, or fatty foods.
  • Hematuria
    • GREEN CODE EMERGENCY – REQUEST AN URGENT HOME CONSULTATION FOR:
      • Symptoms include the presence of blood clots in the urine or urine that is red, pink, orange, or even brown.
    • CONSULT YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR FOR:
      • Referral to a specialist.
    • RED CODE EMERGENCY – CALL 112 IF THE VICTIM HAS:
      • intense abdominal or back pain;
      • pale and sweaty, or close to fainting.
    • GENERAL ADVICE:
      • Request an appointment with a doctor, even if you've only seen blood in the urine once. Inform the doctor about the blood when you call.
    • The patient should be prepared to answer the doctor's questions:
      • What color was the blood in the urine?
      • Were there blood clots? If so, what size and shape?
      • Did the hematuria occur at the beginning or end of the urine flow, or throughout the entire urination process?
      • Was there pain while urinating? If there was pain, where exactly was it located (e.g., back, side, groin area, or genital area)?
      • Are there other symptoms, such as frequent urination? Burning sensation during urination? Fever or chills?
  • Animal bites
    • GREEN CODE EMERGENCY – REQUEST AN URGENT HOME CONSULTATION FOR:
      • animal bite over an hour ago without general symptoms;
      • animal bite with a local reaction but without a general reaction;
      • animal bite with a skin lesion.
    • CONSULT YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR FOR:
      • animal bite without reaction;
      • referral to a specialist;
      • prescription coverage.
    • RED CODE EMERGENCY – CALL 112 IF:
      • The person was severely injured;
      • Bleeding cannot be stopped;
      • Bleeding is severe;
      • Bleeding is pulsatile.
    • GENERAL ADVICE FOR A SUPERFICIAL WOUND OR SCRATCH FROM AN ANIMAL BITE:
      • Gently clean with warm water and soap. Rinse for a few minutes after cleaning.
      • Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
  • INSECT STINGS
    • GREEN CODE EMERGENCY – REQUEST AN URGENT HOME CONSULTATION FOR:
      • insect sting over an hour old without general symptoms;
      • sting with a strong local reaction but no general reaction.
    • CONSULT YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR FOR:
      • Insect sting more than 24 hours old with a local reaction.
    • RED CODE EMERGENCY – CALL 112 IF THE VICTIM HAS:
      • Difficulty breathing;
      • Feeling of weakness or dizziness;
      • hives
      • swollen tongue;
      • a history of severe allergic reactions to insect stings.
Skip to content