Under what circumstances should a medical emergency be declared in Orange County EMS?

A medical emergency should be declared if a patient shows life-threatening symptoms because this indicates an immediate need for advanced medical intervention and assessment. Life-threatening symptoms can include severe trauma, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or unconsciousness, all of which require urgent response from EMS personnel. Recognizing these symptoms as critical enables first responders to take necessary actions swiftly, ensuring the patient receives the appropriate treatment to stabilize their condition.

In scenarios such as minor injuries or simple transportation needs, the urgency for emergency medical response is not as high, and other options might be more appropriate for resolution. Likewise, a patient's request for an ambulance does not automatically constitute a medical emergency; the medical necessity is determined based on the patient's condition rather than their request alone. Thus, focusing on life-threatening symptoms is paramount in declaring an emergency to ensure timely and effective care.