When to Call 911

The facility of calling 911 in cases of emergency was formed by the US Congress in the late 1960s when it realized the crucial importance of public and private safety in dire cases. The trend of one emergency phone number has been in existence for long in many countries. Almost all nations have a single emergency telephone number that allows callers to contact on a local emergency number for assistance in case of any emergency. Calling 911 is a serious act because merely calling 911 on any trivial issue is a sheer waste of time and resources which could have been used somewhere else for a more severe emergency case.

The technology of using 911 was for years based on the same old concept of using wired telephones in homes and businesses. However, with the onset of technological developments, it is possible to call 911 for emergency even through wireless phones, text messages, smart phones, video chats, Internet calls (it is possible to call 911 online using Internet phone services!) and with many more facilities to be developed in the future. The National 911 program is aiming to enhance the access of 911 contact number by making it possible to call from every possible technological development so that national and public safety is enhanced to a new level. So, when should you call 911 ? What is the definition of 'emergency', strictly?

Understanding 911

Whenever there is a threat of life, it is an emergency. Any situation that requires immediate assistance from any of the wings of government, like the police, fire department or the ambulances is deemed to be an emergency. Some obvious examples of understanding the appropriate situation to call 911 are in cases of thefts and robbery or any similar crime that is in progress. For example, you're passing through a jewelry shop and if you see there are robbers in shop trying to create nuisance, you can call 911. Similarly, fire in any place, serious road or highway accidents and car crashes are also emergency conditions. Medical emergency is defined by the 911 website to be a situation in case when "someone who is unconscious, gasping for air or not breathing, experiencing an allergic reaction, having chest pain, having uncontrollable bleeding, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention.".

To Call or Not to Call 911: Most Vital Point

In case of any confusion or hesitation if you should call 911 for assistance or if the situation is really an emergency, individuals can call the 911 number and ask the call taker if the situation is a "true emergency". This is one of the most crucial points to note. So if you think you're unable to decide if the situation is an urgency, don't hesitate to immediately call 911 and ask for queries. Since there is limited time in an urgent situation when you call 911, you must be prepared to answer several quick questions the call taker may ask you. First and foremost, you need to tell the address of the place where the emergency services have to reach. Telling the address in detail is helpful for officials to reach within time. The phone number you're calling from, the physical description of the person involved in the crime, information about the fire place, how did the fire occur and symptoms of the person experiencing medical problems - all need to be told by the caller to the call taker.

It is essential to answers all the questions of the call taker because only then he or she will be able to guide the caller on instructions for emergency preparedness. Remember, the call takers are trained people and they will also help you on step by step instructions as to what to do by the time emergency services reach the spot. Information about first aid given by the 911 operators becomes extremely significant in cases of medical emergency or during fire, any minute step for fire safety can become lifesaving.

Often it happens that many people may call 911 for fun or by mistake a child may dial the number. In such cases, don't hung up the call, as the emergency officials might think you're in danger and emergency services will be send to your location (by tracking your phone number). It is good to explain to the officials what exactly happened so that the precious resources of 911 department are not wasted. I hope now you are aware of the circumstances in which you can surely call 911. If there is some emergency, ensure that you're able to reach your telephone and call 911. It can be great in preventing some loss of life or property. If it can't prevent the loss, it can be helpful in minimizing any losses.