alternative to 911 call for overdose

[crazypumpkin]

Hey, I was just wondering...I've heard theres an emergency number other than 911 that people can call that does not automatically notify police when someone reports they have overdosed...does anyone know what I am talking about? What is this number just for reference?

~CP

[pinksox]

Find the emergency number for whoever provides local EMS service in your area. When you call 911, your call goes into a call center and the dispatcher will tone out all resources they deem appropriate for that call...EMS, police, etc.

But if you call the EMS provider directly...sometimes it's the Fire Department, sometimes it's a private ambulance company contracted by your locality they'll respond directly..although, they might also call PD and ask for a unit to respond as well...but chances are better they won't...particularly depending on what sort of area you live in...rural vs major metro etc.

Thing to remember though, is having someone overdose in your house in not in itself a crime. For all anyone knows, they just got there and did whatever they did just before they arrived. If SWIY makes sure there's nothing out in plain sight and your don't make any tacit admissions to the cops, they should be okay even if the PD does show up.

It's pretty easy to pull on of the medics aside in these situations just to give them a heads up on what the person OD'd on. It makes their job easier and ensures the patient gets appropriate care when they know what to treat for, and they appreciate it. Legally, information you disclose to them in private if covered under HIPAA--they can't legally tell police what you've told them about the patients medical condition without violating HIPAA. SWIY may politely remind them that your disclosure is protected under HIPAA. That means they can tell the hospital docs...but not the cops. They law says they can relay info important to medical care. Since cops don't provide medical care, they're not included in that chain.