Using 9-1-1

The 911 emergency telephone system is in place in many US cities to assist citizens with POLICE, MEDICAL, or FIRE emergencies. Check to see that your area has 911. If not, create a list of the appropriate emergency numbers and place a list near each phone. It should be realized that non-emergency calls to the 911 system or any emergency phone number can create delays in handling other very serious emergencies that require immediate attention. The following are guidelines for the proper use of the 911 system for FIRE and MEDICAL emergencies for most major cities. Learn that system in your area. Learn about the emergency systems whereever you may travel.

DO NOT CALL 911 FOR NON-EMERGENCY transportaion, use taxi cabs or call a private ambulance listed under ambulance in your local telephone directory.

Examples of NON-EMERGENCY situations are:

• MINOR illness or injury not requiring immediate help:
• Flu/common cold
• Chronic (ongoing) aches and pain
• Minor cuts
• Broken fingers or toes
• Emotional upsets
• Routine transportation to medical offices, clinics and hospitals

Remember, these general guidelines -- If there is any doubt, do not hesitate to call the paramedics.

CALL 911

For a LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY such as:

• Breathing difficulty/shortness of breath/ breathing has stopped.
• Choking (can't talk or breathe).
• Constant chest pain - in adults (lasting longer than two minutes).
• Uncontrollable bleeding / large blood loss.
• Drowning.
• Electrocution.
• Drug overdose /poisoning.
• Gunshot wounds, stabbings.
• Vomiting blood.
• Sudden fainting /unconsciousness.
• Convulsions / seizures (uncontrolled jerking, movements that patient may fall to the floor).
• Severe allergic reation (difficulty breathing / unresponsive).
• Major burns (white or charred skin: blisters and redness over large area).
• Someone who will not wake up, even when you shake them.
• SEVERE injuries from:
• Traffic accidents
• Head Injury
• Significant falls
• Physical entrapment (i.e. car accident with victim trapped in the vehicle)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REQUEST
EMERGENCY SERVICES ON 911

911 should only be used when a true emergency exists, "POLICE", "FIRE", or "MEDICAL". Identify your call as a MEDICAL or FIRE emergency. In many areas the dispatcher will electronically receive the address and telephone number OF THE CALLER. However, if you are not sure if the emergency system in your area captures that information, tell the dispatcher your address and phone number.

CRITICAL INFORMATION THE DISPATCH NEEDS TO KNOW:

• WHAT'S THE EMERGENCY? What's wrong?
• WHERE IS THE EMERGENCY? Give the address, include building number, apartment number, nearest cross street.
• WHO NEEDS HELP? Age/ number of people.
• ARE THEY CONSCIOUS? Yes or no.
• ARE THEY BREATHING? Yes or no.

The accuracy of all the telephone numbers and addresses must be verified again by the dispatcher.