HOME HEALTHCARE GUIDE · DUBAI
When to call emergency services instead of booking home care
Call 998 for an ambulance anywhere in the UAE when a situation may be life-threatening. Do not wait for a home-care callback for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, stroke signs, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, a severe allergic reaction or rapid deterioration.
Which warning signs should bypass a home visit?
Emergency symptoms include severe difficulty breathing, chest pressure or pain, face or arm weakness or speech difficulty, seizure or loss of consciousness, uncontrolled bleeding, major injury, severe allergic swelling, poisoning, or a person who is rapidly becoming less responsive.
- ✓Severe breathing difficulty, blue lips or inability to speak normally
- ✓Chest pain, pressure, sweating or sudden severe weakness
- ✓Possible stroke: facial droop, arm weakness or speech change
- ✓Collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness or new severe confusion
- ✓Uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma or serious burns
- ✓Severe allergic reaction with swelling or breathing symptoms
- ✓Rapid deterioration in an infant, pregnant person, older adult or vulnerable patient
What should you do while arranging emergency help?
Call 998, give the exact location and follow the call handler's instructions. Keep access clear, gather identification and medicines if safe, and do not drive an unstable person unless emergency services advise it.
- 01
Call 998
State the emergency, exact location and callback number.
- 02
Follow instructions
The call handler may guide immediate actions while help travels.
- 03
Prepare access
Open gates and doors and send someone to direct the crew.
- 04
Bring essentials
If safe, prepare ID, medicine list, allergies and recent records.
What is the role of home care after an emergency?
Home healthcare may support recovery, monitoring, nursing or rehabilitation after a hospital team decides home is appropriate. It should complement—not delay—emergency assessment and discharge planning.
FAQ
What is the ambulance number in Dubai?+
The official UAE Government lists 998 for ambulance from anywhere in the UAE.
Should I wait to see if symptoms improve?+
Not when symptoms may be life-threatening. Call 998 and follow the emergency call handler's advice.
Sources
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Call 998 for an ambulance anywhere in the UAE when a situation may be life-threatening. Do not wait for a home-care callback for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, stroke signs, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, a severe allergic reaction or rapid deterioration.