Medical Speak

Tales from the Front Line

“Do you need blue lights and sirens?” says the voice at the end of the phone. 

The call handler knows I’m a health professional as I have a direct number that bypasses the need to use 999.

“I need a level 2, 18-minute response,” I tell the emergency medical dispatcher.

“OK, what's the reason for the ambulance?” 

“The patient has a suspected DVT and is unwel…