Ambulance or Drive Yourself? What to Do in Amman
Call 911 for chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing trouble, heavy bleeding, a seizure or someone who is unconscious. Don't drive them yourself: treatment can start on the way, and an ambulance saves time.
For urgent problems that are not life-threatening and where the person is awake and stable, driving to a walk-in clinic with a companion is fine.
Key takeaways
- Jordan's unified emergency number is 911; the government portal lists 193 for the ambulance.
- Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing trouble, heavy bleeding, seizures and unconsciousness need an ambulance.
- Driving a very ill person yourself can lose time and is risky if they get worse on the road.
- Stable, awake patients with urgent problems can go by car with a companion.
- Give the operator your exact location, and stay on the line.
Many people drive a relative to hospital because they think it will be faster. For some problems that is right; for others it can cost vital minutes. The NHS advice that applies everywhere is simple: for the emergencies below, call for an ambulance. The full number list is in Jordan's emergency numbers.
Why is an ambulance better for serious emergencies?
Paramedics can assess the person, start treatment on the spot, and tell the hospital to prepare. A stroke or heart attack can worsen suddenly, and a driver cannot treat a patient while driving. See the signs in heart attack warning signs and the FAST stroke test.
How do you call 911 well?
- Say where you are: area, street, building and a landmark.
- Say what happened and how many people are hurt.
- Give your phone number and answer the operator's questions.
- Don't hang up until told to.
- Unlock the door, switch on lights, and send someone to the street to wave the ambulance in.
When is driving to a clinic fine?
When the person is awake, breathing normally and stable, and the problem is urgent rather than life-threatening: a child's fever, a cut that may need stitches, a suspected fracture, vomiting. Take a companion, so the driver can focus on the road, and drive to a place that is open, like our 24-hour clinic in Dabouq. If the person gets worse on the way, stop somewhere safe and call 911.
Emergency Plus is a private walk-in centre. It doesn't replace 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
Ambulance or car?
| Situation | What it looks like | When it happens | Best option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart attack signs | Chest pressure, sweating, pain to arm or jaw | Sudden | Ambulance: call 911 |
| Stroke signs | Face droop, arm weakness, slurred speech | Sudden | Ambulance: call 911 |
| Child with fever, alert and drinking | Hot but responsive | Evening | Car with an adult companion |
| Possible broken limb, stable | Swollen, painful, awake and talking | After a fall | Car with a companion |
Which emergencies need an ambulance?
Call 911 or go to the ER now if:
- Chest pain or pressure, especially with sweating or breathlessness.
- Face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech or sudden vision loss.
- Severe breathing trouble, blue or grey lips.
- Heavy bleeding that doesn't stop with firm pressure.
- A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or being unconscious.
- A serious injury, suspected spine injury or severe burn.
- Swelling of the face or throat after a sting, food or medicine.
See a doctor the same day if:
- The person is stable but you are unsure: ring +962 79 247 1313 or go in.
- A fever that isn't settling.
- An injury where you suspect a fracture.
Usually fine at home if:
- A mild illness with no red-flag signs.
- A minor cut that has stopped bleeding.
- A mild headache or sore throat.
What happens when you come to Emergency Plus?
At the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, emergency doctors are on site 24/7 and you can walk in without an appointment. The team will ask about your symptoms, check you, and may use the on-site X-ray, ultrasound or laboratory where they are needed. They will explain the right next step for you, in Arabic or English.
Not sure whether to call 911?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and don't drive yourself. For anything urgent that is not life-threatening, the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 with no appointment, with an Arabic and English speaking team.
Call our 24/7 ER: +962 79 247 1313Sources
- Jordan Government Portal — Essential contact numbers
- NHS — When to call 999
- NHS — Stroke symptoms
- MedlinePlus — Emergency medical services
- WHO — Emergency care
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 — +962 79 247 1313.