Important tips to follow when calling 911 for an emergency
When faced with an emergency, there's no doubt that you should immediately call 911. However, knowing what information to give and what to expect from the call can be extremely helpful. We sat down with Dr. Brett Belchetz, ER Physician, and Kerry Murray-Bates, Communications Manager at Toronto Police to discuss what a 911 operator needs to provide you with urgent assistance.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO CALL 911?
Knowing when to call 911 is extremely important. It's intended for emergencies, so it's important to remember that there are non-emergency lines available. Common emergencies that you should call 911 for include:
- Medical distress
- Immediate threat to life
- Harm to a person or animal
- Hazardous situations (gas spill, natural gas leak, fire, etc.)
- Missing or vulnerable people
WHAT IS THE KEY INFORMATION 911 OPERATORS NEED?
When it comes to an emergency call, provide as much information as you can. Naturally, this isn't always possible. Location is definitely a key factor when it comes to making a 911 call. While there are tools that operators can use to locate you from their end, it takes time and has an impact on how quickly someone can get to you.
911 operators are highly trained and ask a series of specific questions based on the information you provide. There's a stereotype that the questions asked can waste the caller's time, however, line operators can provide the necessary resources to assist the person.
