The Fourth of July is always great; warm sunny days, good food, friends, and a chance to celebrate the freedom that we all hold so dear in our hearts. Hopefully your celebration will be one with fond memories but if you do find yourself in need of assistance for an emergency, a 911telecommunicator is always there to help you. We want your holiday to be a safe one but if you do need assistance, here are some pointers that you should know:
First, you will be asked 3 questions:
- What is the address of the emergency?
- What is the phone number you are calling from?
- What is the problem, tell me exactly what happened?
You may be placed on hold at this point while we dispatch help. We may then ask you additional questions. If it is health related, we EMD the call. In other words, ask you more about the medical conditions of the victim.
The first reaction of a caller is usually to give as much information as possible. While we will want that information, our first priority is to get help on the way. For the victim, seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some additional pointers to remember:
- Stay calm
- Know the location of the emergency and the number you are calling from.
- Wait for the call-taker to ask questions, then answer clearly and calmly.
- If you reach a recording, listen to what it says.
- Let the call-taker guide the conversation
- Follow all directions
- Keep your eyes open.
- Do not hang up the calluntil directed to do so by the call-taker.
The telecommunicators in the 911 Center hope that you have a wonderful 4th of July and that you never have to call them. But if you do, they are there to assist and get help on the way. The better informed you are, the faster that help can be sent.
Have a Happy Fourth and remember 911 is for Emergencies Only.
