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Calling 911? We hope that no one has to ever call 911. However life is far from perfect and there will be time when you will have call 911. Do you know everything that you need to know for the dispatcher? Do you know the address in case if you are calling from a cell phone without 911 tracking? These are just of the few things you need to consider before calling 911. There are several things you need to know and figure out prior to calling 911. Hopefully this will help you in your emergency situation. Being a Captain of a rescue squad. I offer you these helpful tips:

1. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is to remain calm. This is very difficult to do, yet is very important. Before you call 911 take a deep breath and assess the situation. Make sure you know everything possible to get help to your location.

2. When you call 911 a dispatcher will answer the phone. The first thing to do is to tell them your name and location. Make sure the dispatcher understands you. The dispatcher will more than likely repeat the address back to you. After the dispatcher has acknowledged you continue with why a 911 service is needed. Please speak in a clear tone. Do not yell and try to not to cry. It is very important the dispatcher can hear you clearly so all the correct is information is given. The dispatcher will be able to determine which 911 service to dispatch out.

3. If this is a medical emergency please have patient's age ready to give along with any necessary medical history that is significant with the call. If the patient has a DDNR (Durable Do Not Resuscitate) please let the dispatch know. A DDNR is a very important piece of information.

4. For traumatic injuries, (ex: falls, gunshots, punctures, vehicle accident) it is very important to obtain as much detail about injury. Rural areas without trauma care facilities depend on other means of transportation such as a helicopter to get critical injured patients to a trauma facility for proper care. In order to get the helicopter in the air in a reasonable amount of time it is essential to have detail so EMS can determine weather a helicopter is needed. If some falls it is essential to know the estimated drop and impact of the fall. Did they land on there head or feet? Was the drop more than three times the height? If someone falls and the fall was more than three times there height it is considered a significant mechanism of injury and may require a helicopter to be dispatched. For gun shot wounds it is nice to know the location of the wound and if it has an exit site also. An automobile accident is difficult to determine injuries without moving patient. Try avoid moving patient until EMS arrives. What kind of accident is this? Was it a head on, a t-bone, or a rollover? Are patients still in vehicle or were they thrown out? Was speed a factor? Is there a hazard such as a gas spill? All of these items are important to tell the 911 dispatcher so the proper authorities can be contacted.

5. It is important to make note of any major landmarks in case if you out in the middle of nowhere. Location is the most important or help will not be able to get you in a timely manner. If you are not from around area find some landmarks and describe them to dispatch. What you may consider an "OLD BARN" may be the key to getting to you.

When calling 911 it is important to maintain calm and have a clear voice. The services that 911 offers are life saving and it important to have details for every call so they can better assist you. We hope that no one ever needs to call for 911 but you need to take in to consideration some of the above before calling.

Learn more about this author, Samantha L. Walton.
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