If you are ever in a life-threatening emergency, the ability to call an ambulance is a very useful skill. (Just remember; it doesn't require an area code)
1Take a deep breath and take a few seconds to collect yourself.Ad
2Dial 911(US/Canada), 999(UK), 000(Australia), 112 ( Europe), 119 (Japan) or another emergency number for your country. When using a mobile (cell) phone in UK use 112
3Ask the operator for an ambulance.
4Give them the following:
- your location
- the number of the phone you are calling from, if you know it.
- If you are in a public place- give the operator the nearest intersection or landmark (example First and Main street).
- Tell them your name, the injured person's name and why you need an ambulance. Relate as much medical history as you know.
5Stay calm and follow their advice. They will stay on the phone until the police will come, followed by an ambulance arrives.
We could really use your help!
- Most people carry mobile phones. Stop someone and ask them to call an ambulance. Don't ask for the phone because it could lead to misunderstandings.
- Many US 911 systems use E-911 or "Enhanced 911". If you call from a land line, the computer should be able to tell what address you are calling from and record the "callback" number as well, but do not count on this and be prepared to tell the dispatcher where you are.
- If you have an iPhone, the applications GPS911, GPS112 or Important Numbers for travels abroad will dial and display your accurate GPS position on screen.
- Learn CPR and first aid, before emergencies happen. Doing so can be life-saving in these cases.
- Any phone will do. You don't need money to use a pay phone as the call is free.
- Don't do anything you feel uncomfortable with or that will put you in danger, remember, there are trained professionals on the way.
- Do not ever call out an ambulance as a prank. Doing so wastes community resources and risks the lives of people who need emergency medical help. It is also illegal, you can be arrested for it and traced directly to the phone you are using.
- Always check wrists and necks for a medical tag. These can be gold or silver but should have a red "medic" symbol on them. Medic alert tags may tell medical problems, medications, or drug allergies.
- Don't hang up.
- The emergency telephone operators are people, just like you and I, and they work 8 hours or so 5 days a week. They can read a situation instantly, ie they will know if a situation is serious or not serious or an emergency or not an emergency. If a situation is not life threatening, remain calm and think and act logically and methodically. If a situation is a real emergency, you can remain calm and and think and act logically and methodically and they will allow you speak and act excited and hysterically. It is a serious breach of conduct (and you will suffer for it when the telephone operator responds to you) if you act hysterically in a non emergency situation.
Categories: First Aid and Emergencies
Recent edits by: Lutherus, Rock20000, Harry Honda
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