There are many ratings agencies for hospitals these days. Some are a compilation of patient reviews, whereas others may be based on procedures, stats, and other criterion. If you are looking for a rating on your local hospital or a certain procedure in your state, you can try the “Find Hospitals” engine at Healthgrades.com. There you just enter in the State and City, and the engine will bring up a rating for you.
Although it is good to know where the most effective hospitals are in your area, it also makes sense to have an idea on how you are going to get to one in an emergency. A quick response time can be the difference between life and death.
Is there a poison control center close by? If so what services do they offer.
Here are a few questions to ask to gauge the quality of your EMS response and Treatment prognosis.
- How far is your home from the nearest ambulance dispatch center?
- How far is your home from the nearest Hospital?
- How far is your home from the nearest emergency medical center?
- What is the average response time for ambulances in your area?
- Does your local hospital emergency room seem well staffed and adequately equipped? What are the waiting times like for non life threatening injuries like broken bones and sprains
- What services does the hospital offer?
Generally hospitals will have some sort of public relations person who can answer these questions for you. It always helps to have the whole family trained in First Aid as well. Check your local community listings to see if there is a class in your area if you haven’t already.
By finding out your ems and hospital’s weaknesses you are able to become more proactive and take a greater role in the health of you and your family.