What to expect when you call 911:

FIRST THINGS FIRST:

• Remain calm and give direct answers to the questions being asked
  
• Speak slowly and clearly
  

--in order to send the correct type of help the dispatcher will ask additional
questions.
ALL QUESTIONS ARE IMPORTANT!

CRITICAL INFORMATION THE DISPATCHER NEEDS TO KNOW:

• WHAT'S THE ADDRESS OF THE EMERGENCY
  
• WHAT'S THE PHONE NUMBER YOU'RE CALLING FROM
  
• WHAT'S THE EXACT PROBLEM
  
• ARE YOU WITH THE PATIENT
  
• AGE (approximate)
  
• ARE THEY CONSCIOUS (YES or NO)
  
• ARE THEY BREATHING (YES or NO)
  

Please note:
The dispatcher may also provide you with critical pre-arrival instructions, such as
CPR, Heimlich maneuver or bleeding control.

HOW TO HELP BEFORE EMERGENCY SERVICES ARRIVE:

• ASSURE THE PATIENT help is on the way
  
• DIRECT SOMEONE TO WAIT OUT FRONT to help wave the help down
  
• TURN ON PORCH LIGHT if visibility is poor or dark
  
• SECURE PETS
  
• GATHER AND MAKE A LIST OF PATIENT'S CURRENT MEDICATIONS
  

Of course these are not applicable to all emergencies, such as a need for law
enforcement.  Please answer all questions asked as they are all pertinent
information.