Tips For Making A Call To Emergency Services
In the United States, most counties and cities have robust emergency services. If you become injured or need prompt medical attention, you can call the local emergency service, and they will send emergency personnel, such as EMTs or paramedics, to help you out. So, how do you go about making this call in the most productive, informative, and helpful way? Here are some tips.
Get the most important information out quickly.
Making a call to emergency services can be nerve-wracking when you or someone you love is injured or ill. Some people get so emotional that they have a hard time sharing the most important information with the first responder on the line. To help avoid this, make sure you share the most important information first when you call emergency services. A short sentence like "Someone fell off their 4-wheeler and is unconscious" is a good start. The first responder does not need extra details at this point, so do your best to be concise. From that point, the first responder may ask you some questions. Most people find it easier to answer questions than to volunteer information outright.
If possible, send your location.
Most emergency departments are able to track your location when you call for help. However, if you are calling on your cellphone and are able to quickly send them your location via text, this often makes their job easier and saves them time. The more time they save, the faster they'll be able to send someone out to physically help you. The first responder on the end of the line may give you a number you can text with a pin dropped at your location.
If you can't stay on the line, let them know.
Emergency personnel usually want you to stay on the line, if possible. This enables them to help you by giving you instructions when something new or different happens with the injured person. However, there may be situations in which you are unable to remain on the line. For instance, you may need to use both hands to put pressure on a wound. If this is the case, tell the first responder. They may have you just set the phone down but leave the line open.
The tips above should help you out when you make a call to emergency services. Hopefully, you rarely, if ever, need to use them.
Contact a local company or emergency service department, like Town of McCormick, to learn more.