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Devising a protocol for calling 999 from a dental practice and using SBAR to ensure effective communication and handover

British Dental Journal volume 229, pages 661–666 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

If a medical emergency occurs in a dental practice and it is necessary to call 999 for an ambulance, it is important to ensure that it is done safely and proficiently. It is particularly important to ensure effective communication with the ambulance service, ideally using the SBAR communication tool both when calling 999 and also during handover to the paramedics once they arrive. These arrangements still need to be followed even during the pandemic crisis in which we we are all. This article outlines the procedure for calling 999 from a dental practice and discusses the use of SBAR to ensure effective communication with the ambulance service.

Key points

  • Mistakes made when calling 999 for an ambulance can lead to delays in the arrival of the ambulance.

  • It is recommended to have a protocol for calling 999 from a dental practice.

  • The SBAR communication tool can help to ensure effective communication with the ambulance service.

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Acknowledgements

Mr N. Rashid and Miss R. Joshi, Emergency Department Consultants, Manor Hospital, Walsall, UK, for expert advice; and Miss L. Jevon for IT support and advice designing the SBAR form.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. PGCE Academy Tutor, Walsall Teaching Academy, Manor Hospital, Walsall, UK

    Phil Jevon

  2. Director, Horizons Dental Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, UK; HEWM FD Training Programme Director, CQC Specialist Advisor, RCS Examiner, UK

    Shaam Shamsi

  3. HCPC-Registered Paramedic, Resuscitation Officer, Manor Hospital, Walsall, UK

    Steve Cornforth

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  1. Phil Jevon
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  2. Shaam Shamsi
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Correspondence to Phil Jevon.

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Jevon, P., Shamsi, S. & Cornforth, S. Devising a protocol for calling 999 from a dental practice and using SBAR to ensure effective communication and handover. Br Dent J 229, 661–666 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-2385-x

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