Using 911
By:Captain Stew Shepard
The 911 emergency telephone system is in place in many US cities to assist citizens with POLICE, MEDICAL or FIRE emergencies. 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 where ever you may travel. Look inside the front cover of many telephone directories for details.
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:
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| 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.
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:
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911 should only be used when a true emergency exists, "POLICE", "FIRE", or "MEDICAL". Identify your call as a MEDICAL or FIRE emergency. In our area the dispatcher will ELECTRONICALLY RECEIVE the address and telephone number OF THE CALLER. However, tell the dispatcher your address and phone number anyway.
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 DISPATCHER 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.
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.
| 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. |
| APPLY DIRECT PRESSURE TO THE WOUND if the victim is bleeding. |
| PERFORM THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER if a choking victim can't breathe or talk. BEGIN CPR if the victim has no pulse and has stopped breathing. |
Apple Valley Fire Department Home Page
|| ALF Ambulance
Contact Us at 952-953-2600 for further NON-EMERGENCY information
