|
Plan now before you
have to dial 911
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 the system in your
area. Learn about the emergency systems wherever you may travel.
DO NOT CALL 911 FOR NON-EMERGENCY transportation,
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 are 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, stabbing.
- 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)
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REQUEST
EMERGENCY MEDICAL 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 area 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 DISPATCHER 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. The name of the
building is also helpful.
- WHO NEEDS HELP? Age/ number of people.
- ARE THEY CONSCIOUS? Yes or no.
- ARE THEY BREATHING? Yes or no.
The accuracy of all telephone numbers and addresses must be
verified again by the dispatcher.
NOTE: WAIT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HANG UP BEFORE YOU DO.
Remain calm and give direct answers to the questions asked. Speak
slowly and clearly. You will be asked additional questions so the
dispatcher can send the right type of help. All questions are
important. €
The dispatcher may also provide you with CRITICAL PRE-ARRIVAL
INSTRUCTIONS, such as CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) or the
Heimlich Maneuver.
Understanding what happens when a 911 call is placed will help
the system run more efficiently and will bring you the emergency
medical service you need in the shortest possible time.
HOW YOU CAN HELP BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVES:
- ASSURE THE PATIENT that help is on the way.
- KEEP THE PHONE LINE CLEAR after the 911 call is made.
- DIRECT SOMEONE TO WAIT OUT FRONT to meet the ambulance and
lead the way.
- WAVE A FLASHLIGHT or turn on flashers of a car or porch light
if it's dark or visibility is poor.
- CONSIDER HAVING AN INTERPRETER if the patient does not speak
English.
- SECURE PETS, especially dogs, in a separate area.
- HAVE A VISIBLE ADDRESS, easily readable from the street.
- GATHER OR MAKE A LIST OF MEDICATIONS that the patient is using
and give to emergency personnel.
|