What should I do if I need to call the paramedics and my door is locked but I ca

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   kathyjones1952@atposted 11 years ago

   What should I do if I need to call the paramedics and my door is locked but I can't get to the door?
   
   I live alone and I have often given this a lot of thought.  I'm not sick or anything right now but I think it's a good idea to plan ahead.  I'm 61 years old and I'm just concerned that if I were to fall, have a heart attack, etc. what should I do once the paramedics get here and I can't get to the door?  For safety reasons, I always keep my door locked.

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   jlparkposted 11 years ago

   FIrst suggestion - would be to contact your local EMT service, and see what they recommend...as they would know what they can and can't do to get to you.
   
   I'm not a paramedic, nor am I in the US - from what I know from discussions with our paramedics is that they CAN break in if required - usually just enough to unlock a door, so a small window in a door, or next to a door, or jimmy open a window and unlock once they are in.
   
   I can't remember if they have to seek permission from a supervisor (via radio) if no one is answering, or if they get permission from the person (if they are able to call out).
   
   Perhaps a key with a neighbour may help?

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      kathyjones1952@atposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm afraid I don't have any windows in any of my doors but this is a good suggestion.  I do have a peep hole in my back door.  I also have a large windown next to my front door but I don't think that will work.  Maybe I will call my local EMT service

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   kj forceposted 11 years ago

   Kathy..first off..why and how were the paramedics alerted ? did you call ? do you have a Medic Alert Band ? with MAB the info would already be known, and if it was a 911 call..the dispatcher would get as much info as possible from the caller...if you are unable to speak, she would alert the paramedics...they would knock on the door, if no response they would call out...and then break a window or the door.. to get in...because if you are unconscious you couldn't respond...if you have a cell phone it might be a good idea to have a friend/neighbor/family member's phone number programmed so when you hit one number their phone would be alerted..this way it would notify them also..of course discuss this with them first so they are aware of what you opt to do..always keep your door locked..
   If you decide to do medic-alert ..you could have the option of hid a key and they would know this ahead of time, thus eliminating a needless repair of breakage..
   very interesting question..thanks for addressing it...look forward to other responses..

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      kathyjones1952@atposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I haven't had to call the paramedics in a while.  I was just wondering what I should do in case anything like this should happen in the future.  I always keep my door locked!!!!  I keep my cell phone with me at all times.  No, I dont' have MAB.

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      kj forceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you kathyjones1952....glad you thought my response was a winner...I have relatives that have been in this situation....have a great week-end

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      kathyjones1952@atposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You too, kj force !

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   innerspinposted 11 years ago

   Here in the UK there is a warden call service for older people, available for a small fee. They provide a key safe for outside the house, lockable with a combination number, which they keep a copy of. If you need urgent medical help, you can press an alert button, (which can be worn round the neck or wrist,) which notifies the wardens. The wardens then call an ambulance and tell the paramedics the safe combination number. They will also alert a friend or relative for you. My father-in-law uses the service now he's on his own, and finds it reassuring.

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