WHEN SHOULD I CALL 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is for emergencies, potential emergencies, or when an emergency is imminent.

If the public safety situation seems urgent and has the potential of escalating by not making the telephone call, call 9-1-1. The 9-1-1 professional will determine whether the call should be processed via 9-1-1, or whether the caller should be referred to another number or agency as appropriate.

If you call 9-1-1 by accident, do not hang up. Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that everything is all right. If you don't, the dispatcher may think that something is wrong and send a police officer.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I CALL 9-1-1?   WHAT WILL THE DISPATCHER WANT TO KNOW?

The person answering 9-1-1 is a trained dispatcher. They have been trained as to what questions to ask (e.g. WHAT is happening, WHERE the situation is occurring, WHEN did the incident occur, WHO is involved, WEAPON involvement, INJURIES, etc.) Once initial information is obtained additional questions may be asked depending on the type of call. Be prepared to state the nature of the emergency. This information is assist the dispatcher more quickly identify the most appropriate assistance.

Be prepared to follow the dispatchers line of questioning (e.g. WHAT is happening, WHERE the situation is occurring, WHEN did the incident occur, WHO is involved, WEAPON involvement, INJURIES, etc.).

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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 the patient may fall to the floor).
• Severe allergic reaction (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)