by Ganelle Davis

Created on: January 10, 2011

A rush of adrenalin surges through your body as a trembling hand attempts to dial 911. Your thoughts may be incoherent, yet you must provide the operator  with all of the necessary  information.  The best thing to consider, in this possibly life or death scenario is the location, names and a reasonable explanation on what may have occurred. An emergency is not the time to learn how to make a 911 call. However, you must remain calm and speak clearly into the phone. it might be difficult to control your emotions. By controlling your emotions,the outcome will inevitably be much better. 

Usually, they will ask if the person in distress is breathing  and is responsive. to questioning. They may also ask if their is any relationship to the person in need of help. A general assessment of the situation will aid the E.M.T. to call ahead to the hospital or dispatch the correct emergency personnel. Any prescription medication, the person may be taking, must be told to the E.M.T.  The time of the incident is also of great importance. If you found the person in that condition. Please report this important fact as well. They may ask, the position of the person. The person might be lying face down.Even though you might want to move the person, It is best to wait for the ambulance to arrive.

Children should be taught the correct way to use 911. They must be told, never to play on  the phone. Many lives have been saved by a level headed child seeking help for a sibling or parent. A child in distress from drowning,may need resuscitation until the ambulance arrives. A description of the child's weight and size  may be helpful. 

If there is any seizure activity or violent convulsions, it would be best to report the duration. A 911 call is to inform the authorities, that someone is in need of assistance.

Some911 calls involve criminal activity. for these type of calls. You will only need to report what you have heard or seen already. A good description will aid in apprehending the suspects.

My emergency 911 call was to report  the collapse of my eighty nine year old grandmother as she fell to the floor. I decided the best thing to do was to secure a pillow underneath her head,  as the 911 operator gave me instructions over the phone.  The very first assessment was to determine if she was breathing. The affirmation was good. She was breathing and had opened her eyes slightly, as  I called her name.

Assuredly, everyone wants to be ready and able in the case of an emergency. Practicing with your children is most effective. the most important information is location and names

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