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Guide for patients and loved ones

Emergency numbers

In an emergency there is no time to search for a number. They need to be ready in advance.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A card on the fridge
Figure 1.A card on the fridge

01Short answer

Your emergency list: the haematology team’s 24-hour number (or the on-call doctor), the centre’s admissions desk, the general emergency number (112 in Azerbaijan, with 103 for an ambulance; 112 across Europe), your family doctor, your pharmacist, your caregiver and two people close to you. Save them as favourites in your phone and put a paper copy on the fridge and in your wallet. Note your diagnosis, main medicines and allergies next to them. Family members should know this list too.

02Simple explanation

Two key numbers: your team and general emergency services.

Keep the list on your phone and on paper.

03Scientific explanation

Febrile neutropenia, heavy bleeding, breathlessness and confusion are situations that need urgent help in haematology patients.

Some countries have a dedicated “oncology hotline” for patients; ask your centre.

04What happens in the body?

Whose numbers

The haematology team (24 hours), admissions, ambulance, family doctor, pharmacist, caregiver and loved ones.

Where to keep them

Phone favourites, emergency medical information on the lock screen, a card on the fridge, in your wallet and in your hospital bag.

An emergency number on the phone
Figure 2.An emergency number on the phone

When you call

Briefly give your name, diagnosis, the date of your last cycle, your temperature and symptoms. Mention it if you have a central line.

An ambulance
Figure 3.An ambulance — Emergency numbers

05An emergency contact plan

Four steps.

The team’s number — 24-hour contact.1The team’s number24-hour contact.
General emergency number — 112 / 103.2General emergency number112 / 103.
Write a card — Fridge and wallet.3Write a cardFridge and wallet.
Share with family — Everyone should know.4Share with familyEveryone should know.
Fast helpNo time is lost.
CalmA ready plan reduces panic.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Whose numbersThe haematology team (24 hours), admissions, ambulance, family doctor, pharmacist, caregiver and loved ones.
Where to keep themPhone favourites, emergency medical information on the lock screen, a card on the fridge, in your wallet and in your hospital bag.
When you callBriefly give your name, diagnosis, the date of your last cycle, your temperature and symptoms. Mention it if you have a central line.

07Key terms

On-call doctor
A doctor working nights and holidays.
112
The general emergency number.
Emergency medical information
Details visible on the phone’s lock screen.

08Key points

  • Save your team’s number.
  • Know the general emergency number.
  • Make a paper copy.
  • Give the key facts when calling.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I call at night?

Yes, that is what the emergency number is for.

What about abroad?

Learn the local emergency number and nearest hospital in advance.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I call at night?

  2. What about abroad?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. NHS. Sepsis
  3. NHS. High temperature (fever) in adults
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Costs and Medical Information
  6. American Cancer Society. Neutropenia (Low White Blood Cell Counts)
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). How to Understand Your Lab Results
  9. NHS. Chemotherapy
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). Sepsis — fact sheet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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