Calling 9-1-1

Calling 9-1-1 in an emergency

9-1-1 is an emergency telephone number that provides IMMEDIATE access to LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, and EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.

Do not call 9-1-1 for travel, or Severe Weather Information, Household/Auto Repairs, Complaints of Loud Noise, Littering, etc. Tune into your radio, TV, or look in the white pages for local information.

WHEN TO CALL 9-1-1
When you need to report a crime in progress, a fire, medical emergency, accident, or any situation requiring immediate response of fire, ambulance or law enforcement to save a life.

WHAT THE 9-1-1 DISPATCHER WILL NEED TO KNOW?
The location of the emergency, the nature of the emergency, and who you are.

It is vitally important you
stay calm,
speak clearly,
provide your exact location in order to receive help.
Stay on the telephone until you are told to hang up.  

When to call an ambulance?
Are you prepared for an emergency? Knowing what constitutes an emergency, where you can get help and what precautions to take while you wait can help save a life.

PREVENTION Prevention still remains the best cure. Get routine medical care from your family doctor.

RECOGNIZE EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS
Warning signs of a medical emergency include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness in breath

Fainting or sudden dizziness

Chest or upper abdominal pain / pressure

Weakness or change in vision Confusion, sudden severe pain

Bleeding that will not stop

Persistent vomiting

Coughing up or vomiting blood

Suicidal or homicidal feelings

KNOW WHERE TO GET HELP In an emergency, call 911, dialing will put you in touch with emergency medical help.

 Make sure your children know how to call 911 in an emergency. Remember, when calling from a cellular phone, your location and caller identification may not always be displayed. Please stay on the line with the dispatcher until instructed to hang up. LEARN WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

Knowing CPR and choking rescue procedures is important, especially if you have small children. It is also important to know first aid basics. You can stop serious bleeding, manage shock or handle fractures until emergency help arrives. 

Northwestern Municipal EMS offers community CPR/AED and First Aids courses, see the link above for more information.