How to Call 911: A Step-by-Step Guide to Emergency Assistance

Knowing how to call 911 effectively can be a life-saving skill. In moments of crisis, clear thinking and quick action are crucial. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to call 911, what information to provide, and how to prepare for the arrival of emergency responders. Whether you’re facing a medical emergency, witnessing a crime, or dealing with a fire, understanding the 911 system can make all the difference.

## Understanding the 911 System

The 911 system is a vital public safety resource designed to provide immediate assistance during emergencies. It connects individuals in need with the appropriate emergency services, including police, fire departments, and emergency medical services (EMS). When you dial 911, your call is routed to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), where a trained dispatcher will assess the situation and dispatch the necessary help.

### Key Components of the 911 System:

* **Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP):** This is the call center where 911 calls are received. Dispatchers at the PSAP are trained to gather information and dispatch the appropriate emergency services.
* **Emergency Medical Services (EMS):** EMS personnel, including paramedics and EMTs, provide medical care and transportation to hospitals.
* **Law Enforcement:** Police officers respond to criminal activity, traffic accidents, and other law enforcement-related incidents.
* **Fire Department:** Firefighters respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies requiring fire suppression and rescue.

### When to Call 911:

Call 911 for any situation that poses an immediate threat to life, safety, or property. Examples include:

* **Medical Emergencies:** Chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, seizures, and sudden injuries.
* **Fires:** Any uncontrolled fire, regardless of size.
* **Crimes in Progress:** Burglaries, assaults, robberies, and other criminal activities that are currently happening.
* **Serious Accidents:** Car accidents, industrial accidents, and other incidents resulting in significant injuries or property damage.
* **Hazardous Materials Incidents:** Chemical spills, gas leaks, and other situations involving dangerous substances.

**Important Note:** Do not call 911 for non-emergencies, such as minor injuries, general information requests, or to report past crimes that are not currently in progress. Misusing 911 can tie up valuable resources and delay assistance for those who truly need it.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Calling 911

Following these steps will help you remain calm and provide the necessary information to the 911 dispatcher:

### Step 1: Dial 911

* **Landline:** Simply dial 911 from any landline phone.
* **Cell Phone:** Unlock your phone and dial 911. In some areas, you may need to enter your passcode or swipe to access the dial pad. Even without service, most cell phones will allow a 911 call to connect, although the dispatcher might not get location information.
* **VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol):** Dial 911 as you would from a regular phone. Be aware that VoIP services may not automatically provide your location to the dispatcher, so you may need to provide it verbally.

### Step 2: Stay Calm and Speak Clearly

It’s natural to feel panicked during an emergency, but it’s crucial to remain as calm as possible. Take a deep breath and try to speak slowly and clearly. The dispatcher needs to understand you to provide the appropriate assistance.

### Step 3: Provide Your Location Immediately

Your location is the most critical piece of information you can provide to the dispatcher. Even if you are unsure of your exact address, give as much detail as possible, such as:

* **Street Address:** Include the street number, street name, and city.
* **Landmarks:** Mention nearby buildings, parks, or other easily identifiable landmarks.
* **Cross Streets:** Provide the names of the nearest intersecting streets.
* **Highway Information:** If you’re on a highway, provide the highway number, direction of travel (e.g., northbound, southbound), and mile marker (if available).

If you’re using a cell phone, the dispatcher may be able to pinpoint your location using GPS technology. However, this is not always accurate, especially indoors or in rural areas. Always provide a verbal description of your location to ensure the dispatcher has the most accurate information.

### Step 4: Describe the Emergency

Clearly and concisely explain the nature of the emergency. Provide as much detail as possible, including:

* **Type of Emergency:** Specify whether it’s a medical emergency, fire, crime, or other type of incident.
* **What Happened:** Briefly describe the events that led to the emergency. For example, “My husband collapsed and is not breathing” or “There’s a fire in the kitchen.”
* **Injuries:** Report any injuries, including the number of people injured and the nature of their injuries.
* **Weapons:** Mention if any weapons are involved or if there is a potential for violence.

### Step 5: Answer the Dispatcher’s Questions

The dispatcher will ask you a series of questions to gather more information and prioritize the response. Answer these questions as accurately and completely as possible. Common questions include:

* **What is your name and phone number?**
* **What is the address of the emergency?** (Even if you already provided it, confirm it.)
* **What exactly happened?**
* **Are there any weapons involved?**
* **Are the doors locked?**
* **How many people are injured?**
* **What are the ages of the injured people?**
* **Are the injured people conscious and breathing?**
* **Are you with the injured person?**

### Step 6: Follow the Dispatcher’s Instructions

The dispatcher may provide instructions on how to provide first aid, evacuate the building, or take other actions to protect yourself and others. Follow these instructions carefully. They are trained to guide you through the emergency until help arrives.

### Step 7: Stay on the Line Until Instructed to Hang Up

Do not hang up the phone until the dispatcher tells you to do so. They may need to ask you additional questions or provide further instructions. If you accidentally hang up, call 911 again immediately to let them know you disconnected.

## Special Considerations

### Calling 911 from a Cell Phone

As mentioned earlier, cell phone calls to 911 may not always provide accurate location information. Be sure to provide a verbal description of your location, even if you think the dispatcher can see it on their screen.

* **Multi-Line Telephone Systems (MLTS):** Businesses and hotels often use MLTS, which can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of a 911 call. Know your exact location within the building and be prepared to provide it to the dispatcher.

### Texting to 911

In some areas, it is now possible to text 911 for help. However, this service is not available everywhere. **Call if you can, text if you can’t.**

* **When to Text:** Texting 911 should only be used when you cannot safely make a voice call, such as when you are in danger of being overheard by an intruder or when you have a medical condition that prevents you from speaking.
* **How to Text:** Enter 911 in the “To” field and send your message. Be sure to include your location and the nature of the emergency in your first text.
* **Limitations:** Texting to 911 may take longer than a voice call, and it may not be possible to exchange detailed information. The dispatcher may also need to call you back to gather additional information. Also, picture and video cannot be sent to 911.

### 911 for Non-English Speakers

The 911 system is equipped to handle calls from individuals who do not speak English. Dispatchers have access to language interpretation services that can connect them with interpreters in hundreds of languages. When you call 911, simply state your preferred language, and the dispatcher will connect you with an interpreter.

### 911 for Individuals with Disabilities

The 911 system is also designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. For example, TTY/TDD devices can be used to communicate with 911 dispatchers via text.

* **TTY/TDD:** TTY (Teletypewriter) and TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) are devices that allow individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate over the phone via text. When a TTY/TDD call is received, the dispatcher will communicate with the caller via text.

## Preparing for an Emergency

While you can’t predict when an emergency will occur, you can take steps to prepare yourself and your family:

### Teach Children How to Call 911

Ensure that children know how to call 911 and what information to provide. Teach them their address and phone number and explain the types of situations that warrant a 911 call. Emphasize that 911 is for emergencies only.

* **Practice Scenarios:** Role-play different emergency scenarios with your children to help them understand how to react in a real crisis. For example, pretend that someone has fallen and is injured, and have them practice calling 911 and describing the situation.

### Post Emergency Numbers

Keep a list of emergency numbers in a prominent location, such as on the refrigerator or near the phone. Include 911, the poison control center, and the numbers of your local police and fire departments.

### Know Your Location

Be aware of your surroundings and know your address and nearby landmarks. This will help you provide accurate information to the 911 dispatcher in an emergency.

### Create an Emergency Plan

Develop a family emergency plan that outlines what to do in different types of emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, and medical emergencies. Include evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication strategies.

## What Happens After You Call 911?

Once you’ve called 911 and provided the necessary information, emergency responders will be dispatched to your location. Here’s what to expect:

### Arrival of Emergency Responders

The first responders to arrive may be police officers, firefighters, or EMS personnel, depending on the nature of the emergency. They will assess the situation, provide assistance, and take control of the scene.

### Cooperation with First Responders

Cooperate fully with the first responders and follow their instructions. They are there to help you and ensure your safety.

* **Answer Questions:** Be prepared to answer their questions and provide any additional information they may need.
* **Stay Out of the Way:** Stay out of the way of the first responders so they can do their job effectively.
* **Follow Instructions:** Follow their instructions carefully, such as evacuating the building or providing medical assistance.

### Medical Care

If you or someone else is injured, EMS personnel will provide medical care and transport the injured to a hospital if necessary. Be prepared to provide them with information about the patient’s medical history, allergies, and medications.

### Police Investigation

If the emergency involves a crime, police officers will conduct an investigation. They may interview witnesses, collect evidence, and make arrests.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calling 911

* **Hanging Up Too Soon:** Do not hang up the phone until the dispatcher tells you to do so. They may need to ask you additional questions or provide further instructions.
* **Providing Inaccurate Information:** Give accurate and complete information to the dispatcher. Do not exaggerate or withhold information, as this can delay or hinder the response.
* **Calling for Non-Emergencies:** Do not call 911 for non-emergencies. This ties up valuable resources and can delay assistance for those who truly need it.
* **Not Knowing Your Location:** Be aware of your surroundings and know your address and nearby landmarks. This will help you provide accurate information to the 911 dispatcher in an emergency.
* **Panicking:** It’s natural to feel panicked during an emergency, but try to remain as calm as possible. Speak slowly and clearly, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

## Alternatives to Calling 911

While 911 is the primary number to call for emergencies, there are some situations where alternative resources may be more appropriate:

* **Non-Emergency Police Line:** Contact your local police department’s non-emergency line to report past crimes, suspicious activity, or other non-urgent issues.
* **Poison Control Center:** Call the poison control center if someone has ingested a poisonous substance. The national poison control hotline number is 1-800-222-1222.
* **Mental Health Crisis Line:** Contact a mental health crisis line if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada.
* **Urgent Care Center:** Visit an urgent care center for minor injuries or illnesses that require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening.

## Conclusion

Knowing how to call 911 effectively is a crucial life skill. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can provide the necessary information to the dispatcher and ensure that emergency responders arrive quickly and efficiently. Remember to stay calm, provide your location, describe the emergency, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. By preparing yourself and your family, you can be ready to respond effectively in any emergency situation. Always remember, your quick and informed actions can save lives.

This comprehensive guide provides a wealth of information. Remember to share this with family and friends to ensure everyone is prepared in case of an emergency. Practice makes perfect, so consider running through scenarios periodically to keep the knowledge fresh. Stay safe!