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CONGERVILLE FIRE & RESCUE
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when - and when not to - call 911

If a burglar breaks into your house, your neighbor keels over in her yard or you witness a major car crash, it’s a no-brainer: you call 911. But in cases of other emergencies, it’s not as obvious when — and when not to — dial those digits.  A 911 operator can even tell you whether your problem merits a call to 911. So when in doubt, always call.  
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ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
  • Is the victim's condition life or limb threatening?
  • Could the victim's condition worsen and become life or limb-threatening on the way to the hospital?
  • Could moving the victim cause further injury?
  • Does the victim need the skills or equipment of paramedics or emergency medical technicians?
  • Would distance or traffic conditions cause a delay in getting the victim to the hospital?

IF YOU CALL 911:
  1. Know your location
  2. Follow Instructions
  3. Answer the dispatchers questions

DO NOT CALL 911 FOR THE FOLLOWING:
  • Woman going into the early stages of labor
  • Man with chronic back pain who has run out of painkillers
  • Drunk man being sick (but not unconscious)
  • 3-year-old with a piece of Lego stuck in his nose
  • Single episode of blood in the urine
  • Toddler with a bruise on his head
  • Knife cut on the palm of the hand that is not bleeding heavily
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