Whos going to walk in the door and how long will it take for them to get there?
Is there anything you oughta do before help arrives?
The answers to these questions depend on where you are and the reason you called 911.
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It doesnt really matter how fast rescuers get to you; it will seem like an eternity.
Be calm and listen to the questions that they ask.
Answer as clearly as it’s possible for you to and stay on the line.
Never hang up until you are told to do so by the 911 dispatcher.
Lets start by taking a look at 911 calls formedical emergencies.
Most of the time, the ambulance isnt going to come without some help.
There are usually two caregivers in an ambulance.
Often, its aparamedic and an EMT.
That extra help for the ambulance crew comes in many forms depending on where you live.
Is there something the responders need to know to find you once they get to your address?
Is your home clearly marked?
Are you able to describe that weird side driveway to your apartment complex?
Ask your neighbors if theyve had trouble getting help and ask them what the pitfalls were.
In some cases, an ambulance all by itself is enough to take care of your medical issue.
Indeed, maybe the ambulance doesnt even need to turn on the lights and siren.
Gather your medical information.
Do you take medications?
Do you have any allergies to medications?
Write all of this down… today.
Dont wait until you have to call an ambulance to get ready.
Do you have pets?
If you cant secure them, tell the dispatcher before the emergency crews arrive.
Dealing with a chaotic pet can distract the paramedics from your medical care or put extra stress on you.
What Happens When They Get There?
As soon as the paramedics or the firefighters walk in, theyre going to take stock of the situation.
Theyll do it very quickly; you might not even notice it.
Theyll look around and note the conditions of your home.
Theyll look at your skin to see if youre flushed or pale.
Theyll notice whether your skin is dry or sweaty.
Regardless, you are in good hands now.
The paramedics might even have protocols that dictate where they must go.
Express your preferences, then work with them to figure out whats best.
When the Emergency Is Not Medical
Medical emergencies are only one kind of 911 call.
Police and firefighters respond to plenty ofother types of calls for help.
How you behave in those situations depends entirely on what it is.
Call 911 when you get the chance, but get yourself to safety first.
Fires can build much faster than you might realize.
Even a small fire will grow to engulf an entire room in under two minutes.
Get out of the building before you call 911.
It could seem as if you have time, but you dont.
Plenty of other emergencies are worthy of a call to 911.
In every case, follow the instructions of the 911 dispatcher.
They are your lifeline.
2015;23:88. doi:10.1186/13049-015-0169-0
ASIS International.Active Shooter.
