When to dial 911
Dial 9-1-1 for HELP when:
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You witness or you are the victim of a crime.
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You smell smoke or you see a fire.
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You witness or are involved in a serious accident.
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There is an emergency illness or suspected poisoning.
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When a child, senior citizen, or handicapped person is lost, confused, frightened, or needs special assistance.
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When you need a police officer, fire fighter, or ambulance to come to your home or business.
When the 9-1-1 telecommunicator answers, be prepared to give the following information:
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Street address (where help is needed).
- If you are calling on a cell phone, you need to verify that the dispatcher is for the town where the emergency is located. (911 cell phone calls can go to the wrong town).
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What the problem is.
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Phone number you are calling from.
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Your name.
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Remember to remain as calm as possible, speak clearly and remain on the line to answer all the telecommunicator’s questions.
Why Do Dispatchers Ask So Many Questions?
The answer to this question is simple. A dispatcher will ask you many questions while on the phone, but it does not delay the response of help! Especially if the call is for medical, the dispatcher will stay on the line and ask many medical related questions and provide pre-arrival instructions while the ambulance is being dispatched at the same time.
If you have an emergency and need to call the 911Emergency Communication Center, they will take all relevant information from you, and may give you some specific instructions. Follow their instructions!
Here are a few general suggestions that might help:
1. Turn on your porch light or front door light, even in daylight, this will increase visibility and aid rescuers in finding your house.
2. If it is safe, and an extra pair of hands are available, have someone wait outside to flag down rescuers when they arrive.
3. Secure your pets. This will avoid delays in confronting protective or scared dogs, or prevent indoor pets from inadvertently being allowed outside when rescuers enter your home.
4. Collect all medications for the patient.
Download and print out our Personal Medication List Form.
Fill one out for each of your loved ones. Very handy during an emergency.
© 2012 Created by Jefferson Rescue WebMaster.
