How to get help in an emergency
What? You no timetable for your emergency? Do not plan ahead what to do, what to say, who to call? Then you’re not alone. . .
1. If you have an emergency at home, if possible, use your home phone to call 911. The phone company has your main local PSAP (public service points) with your address, which is associated with your phone number. This information is not passed then the local law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical agencies. 911 cell phone calls generally do not go directly to local emergency services. In California, cell phone 911 calls go to the nearest regional Highway Patrol dispatch center who tries to determine the correct agency to forward your call to. Because of their volume is so high calls, emergency calls can go on a waiting queue before they can respond. It is too quick to dial 911 from your phone at home, which will go directly to local emergency services. If all you have a cell phone, at least take a moment to look up to now an alternative emergency number. Many agencies offer regular 7-digit numbers that can be called that will connect directly to local emergency services. They still will not automatically get your address when you call, but at least you will not have to spend more time going through a general dispatch center.
2. If your emergency occurs in a public place, again, it is better to put your emergency call from the network rather than a landline phone. The information given to the same place for homes is given to businesses as well. Even payphones send information home. If you must use a mobile phone, know that you can wait longer for help and you may be asked the same questions over and over as your call is sent along to the emergency phone “trees.” It would be difficult, but please try to be patient. There’s a reason why each successive agency asks the same questions before them: they must be sure that the information they receive is correct. . . and the only way to be sure is to ask you, caller.
3. Know where you are. So, so many people have no clue where they are. Maintain an awareness for you so that, should a disaster happen to you, you can directly help you. What street, road, highway you are on, the direction of travel; last road or exit you passed (and how long ago you passed it), what street or exit is approaching. You can be in your car on the road, but it addresses near your country? You can be pulled over in front of a home or business. Giving this information to calltaker can help them find you. Boaters and travelers can provide GPS information to help pinpoint their location.
4. Be prepared to answer questions calltaker’s. Try to be as calm as you possibly can be and realize that the questions being asked are designed to ensure that you get the help you need as quickly as possible. After preliminary information by the way, many centers are sending trained personnel to provide pre-arrival instructions to control bleeding, CPR, Heimlich maneuver and perform even how to deliver a baby.
5. Follow all instructions you are given. Even someone who has never perfomed CPR before they can do this successfully by following the instructions of an emergency calltaker. Please do not put the phone down or hang up if they are not directed to do so.
6. Finally, even though you may be going through the worst experience of your life, you can be assured that you are in good hands of caring professionals. They are in business they are in because they want to help people and they have been specially trained to be there when you need them.
