1. Detection
2. Reporting
3. Response
4. On Scene Care
5. Care In Transit
6. Transfer to Definitive Care

The public, through access to the 9-1-1 service, first aid and CPR courses, education, etc., will play the most important role in this Star of Life. The activation of EMS is the key to rapid response.
Sometimes, it may be difficult to decide what consists of an emergency that requires ambulance care. Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision.

If the patient is experiencing or dysplaying:

• A change in level of mentation (drowsiness, confusion, slurred speach, unconscious, etc.)
• Respiratory compromise (difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, choking, making strange noises like snoring or gurgling, etc.)
• Changes in circulation (pale or bluish/gray skin colour, sweating, weak or irregular pulse, absent pulse, etc.)
• Serious injuries (fractures, bleeding, concussions, burns, falls, etc.)
• Pain (sudden, worsening, or unusual)
• Any other problems relating to chronic or acute conditions (heart, respiratory, pregnancy, diabetes, cancer, seizures, etc.)

Also, go with your instinct. We see healthy people around us every day; if they don't seem well to you we are only a phone call away.

The best things to do is learn about the medical problems that affect you and your family and friends. Sign up for a first aid and CPR course. Make an appointment with your doctor, ask your pharmacist, or talk to your communitiy nurse to discuss the possible complications and side effects of the medical problems that affect you and the medications that you take to treat those problems. Keep an up to date record of these medical conditions and all the medications you take, prescription or over the counter. Have this information is invaluable to the ambulance staff responding to your emergency.