To take a taxi to hospital?

[Belleende]

DD5 is not well, seems like a bad cold, sneezing, sore throat, aches and pains. She perked up after paracetamol and even ate some noodles. Have sent for a Covid test which should arrive tomorrow.

However, she then started complaining of double vision, so I called 111. Waiting for a call back now but I suspect we will be sent to the hospital. But, we don't have a car. Is it fair to call a cab? Do we tell them we could be covidy? Or should I ask a neighbour? Don't know what to do for the best.

Why do you think she’ll need the hospital? Unless she got breathing problems it’s unlikely she’ll need hospital, surely?

If you need hospital then of course YANBU to use a taxi.

They might send an ambulance considering her age and the double vision. Does she have a temp at all?

Yeh if it’s serious - ambulance

Ambulance if needed. Taxi driver has a family and does not need to be put in that predicament.

Sorry - just saw the double vision part - If 111 advise hospital tell them you have no transport and they’ll recommend the best way to get there.

Some areas in England have arrangements for COVID-safe taxis for non-urgent trips, OP, that would otherwise require an ambulance. When you discuss with 111, mention your transport constraints if they suggest a trip to A and E though it may be ambulance if they are worried with the double vision.

Good luck.

She had a temp of 39.2 but down to 38.2 after paracetamol. She is now sleeping beside me... Definitely not am ambulance job at this point.

They are sending any kids they are at all worries about to the hospital as GPS won't look in throats due to lack of ppe

Not with covid symptoms, no. Why would you even consider that?

There was a case not so long ago who of someone who got a taxi a good 20 mile journey and was on their phone when they got to the destination talking about how they had covid. That poor driver. His loss of earnings were instant. Let's hope he wasn't planning on using his take for that day or the next few to pay anything urgent.

Don't taxi drivers have PPE?

Hope your DD recovers rapidly.

No you can't get a taxi. That driver would need to self isolate immediately and lose earnings. Not to mention the possible risks to his or her health and their family.

Don't taxi drivers have PPE?

They are wearing masks the same as the rest of us. Are you expecting them to wear paper suits?

Unreasonable to take a taxi or as your neighbour!

Have been advised to go to A&E, but no chance of an ambulance unless she gets a lot worse. She is still slumbering peacefully.

Looks like it will have to be wait and see how she does or a neighbour. The two neighbours I know best both have family who are shielding doesn't feel right to ask them. I will put a shout out and see what comes back.

Why would you even consider that?

Cos her child is unwell and might need to go to hospital obviously 😕 the chances of covid are so low and if a child needs medical care then it is an absolute no brainer

Do not get a taxi if they want to see her they will have to send an ambulance.

If she gets worse call an ambulance - the crew will come and assess her - she might not need hospital but if she does they will phone ahead so she can be tested for covid.

Hope things get better you can't be too sure with young children. Please keep us up to date.

@Merryoldgoat

Why do you think she’ll need the hospital? Unless she got breathing problems it’s unlikely she’ll need hospital, surely?

If you need hospital then of course YANBU to use a taxi.

Seriously?

You'd put a taxi drivers life at risk?

That's what ambulances are for - trained medics with PPE.

You don't put someone with potential
CV into a taxi, risk the drivers life, & possibly his family. Not to mention two weeks of not working (& no income at all (the one I know is already at risk of losing his home due to no income).

Jesus wept.

@Belleende

If she gets any worse at all, call them back, if she's needs an ambulance, they'll send one - they don't mess around with kids.

I hope she had a peaceful night & is much better in the morning 🌷

It's going to be a long winter isn't it 🙁

Black cab so you're separated by a screen. If you still have a buggy, put her in there with a rain cover over her?

Hope she's feeling better but for goodness sake don't put your shielding neighbours or a taxi driver at risk. Ring for an ambulance if she gets worse.

You might not own a car but do you have a license? Maybe you can borrow a car? We offered our car to MIL for her covid test. The virus doesn't live long on surfaces so the car can be picked up by the owner a few days later.

One of my neighbours kindly agreed to take us, but given all the factors in play decided to wait a few hours and reassess. She has had a good sleep and is chatting away beside me. Very snotty and a bad throat, but fine. I did not sleep a wink. This was not a decision I liked making.

It is a worry, if any of us are unwell and are directed to hospital and have a temperature the only completely 'safe' way to get there is by ambulance, and they won't send an ambulance unless it is an emergency. No black cabs here, and having failed my test more times than I care to admit, I can't borrow a car. Covid put the kaibosch (sp?) on my latest test.

I need to have a better plan for this, the 111 gp said they are sending kids to a&e if they think they need an oral exam as GPs don't have full ppe.