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Can I drive to help a family member with a medical emergency?

13 replies

Cosmos45 · 14/04/2020 10:44

Hi, I have a query that I hope someone may be able to help me with or point me in the direction of who I can ask (police?). My brother in his 50's has broken a tooth, by the sounds of it is has split and the root is exposed (is that possible?). Anyhow, he is in agony. He has phoned 111 and they have referred him to one of the dental hubs in Winchester. I believe these have just been set up in the last week to deal with certain emergencies and this is included in the list they are able to treat. He is going to hear at lunchtime today when he can have an appointment, which I hope is soon because he is virtually crying in pain. My issue is, he doesn't drive and I am not sure how much public transport is actually running. He lives 15 miles from the dental practice. I live about an hour and half drive away. I can only see 2 ways of him getting there, either I phone and arrange for a Taxi or I drive down and take him myself. I have virtually isolated (bar taking the dog for a walk) for about 3 weeks and not displaying any symptons and I would wait in the car at all points of the journey. My reasoning is that this is better for us than him getting in a taxi (if any are still running) where he does not know who has travelled in that car before him or know whether the driver may have been exposed to the virus. Can anyone advise the best approach please? I would like to perhaps phone the police first and double check but I don't know which number would be best to ring? So as not to drip feed he is on a PIP and other benefits as he is not fit for work, he is not registered disabled but does have health issues which make walking difficult.

OP posts:
TDL2016 · 14/04/2020 10:46

Just use your common sense and drive him.

PurpleDaisies · 14/04/2020 10:48

Of course you can help someone in a medical emergency.
Don’t bother the police with this.

ErrolTheDragon · 14/04/2020 10:48

It sounds reasonable to me, the least net risk all round.
Not sure how you can check 'officially'

Cosmos45 · 14/04/2020 10:50

Ok thanks all, sorry if it sounded a stupid question. I am genuinely worried about getting stopped and turned round by the police.

OP posts:
Jellybean27 · 14/04/2020 10:53

Yes. Help him.

ErrolTheDragon · 14/04/2020 10:54

FWIW DHs cousin had to travel a somewhat similar distance to help with some stuff for an elderly aunt - no one took any notice of him. One person driving a car probably isn't going for a jolly day out.

Have him sit in the left rear seat perhaps, to maximise distance and gives an indication it's not a social activity.

Bagelsandbrie · 14/04/2020 10:55

One of the reasons you can go out is for any medical need.

Glaceon · 14/04/2020 10:55

Ask your brother to message confirming time and place of appointment. If you get asked you have proof.

If you get a police officer get arsey over it explain that actually infections and abscesses in the mouth and face can turn life threatening in hours.

I remember running to my friends at 4am because shed been informed if she didnt have surgery in the next day she would likely be in intensive care for 2 weeks and she had to be there for 6. Shed cracked her tooth and ignored it too.

Glaceon · 14/04/2020 10:56

When I say ignored I mean she spent 23 weeks screaming and crying and physically smacking herself in desperation.

You really dont need to worry you're doing the right thing taking him.

Cosmos45 · 14/04/2020 10:56

@ErrolTheDragon - that's a good suggestion thank you. I have literally stuck to about a 1 mile radius outside my house for about 3 weeks and I think I am expecting a police cordon at the end of the village waiting to turn me round and send me home (paranoid much?) Grin

OP posts:
maddy68 · 14/04/2020 10:57

Yes that's allowed

Mrsjayy · 14/04/2020 10:57

The police won't turn you round if you are stopped (you won't be) say you are taking your brother to hospital.

Cosmos45 · 14/04/2020 11:00

Thank you all.

OP posts:
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