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.
ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
IF YOU CALL 911:
DO NOT CALL 911 FOR THE FOLLOWING:
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:
- Know your location
- Follow Instructions
- 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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