When to Call
Who does what — care team, nurse line, pharmacist, urgent care, emergency services — and what to have in front of you.
This section explains who answers which kind of question, and what information makes each call go faster. It does not tell you which one your situation calls for: that judgment belongs to you and to the clinician on the other end of the line. If it feels like an emergency, stop reading and call 911 or your local emergency number.
Guides in this section
Choosing the Correct Number to Call When Unwell
How do I work out which number on my list to ring?
General education
Gathering Essentials Before You Call About Illness
What should I gather before I pick up the phone?
General education
Questions You'll Hear When You Call Your Care Team
What kinds of questions will I be asked when I call?
Depends on your own plan
Writing Down What You Were Told During a Care Call
How do I record what my care team told me on the call?
General education
Staying Prepared When You Can't Reach Help
What do I do if nobody answers when I'm unwell?
General education
Prepare a Helper to Call for You When You're Sick
What does the person helping me need in order to call on my behalf?
General education
Organize Your Diabetes Care During Illness
How can I prepare to manage my type 2 diabetes when I'm sick?
Depends on your own plan
Getting Organized for CPR Readiness Discussion
How can I get ready to discuss CPR readiness with my care team?
General education
Prepare to Speak with Your Care Team About Measles Concerns
How do I prepare for a discussion with my care team about measles?
General education
Managing Diabetes During Common Illnesses
How can I organize my day when I'm sick with type 2 diabetes?
Depends on your own plan