No one likes bad things to happen, but unfortunately we do sometimes find ourselves in emergency situations.
Thankfully, we have a 911 calling system that we can use when a crisis arises. This program has trained dispatchers who are ready to send help, give instructions, and offer support during emergencies.
It’s a good idea to make sure that your teen is mentally prepared to deal with emergencies. Part of that preparation includes knowing how to make a 911 call.
Below are some tips which will help your teen know what to do when making a 911 call. You may wish to go over them with him as well as your own family’s procedures for handling certain emergencies such as severe weather or a fire. Doing so will hopefully help you both feel more prepared to handle emergency situations.
Making a 911 Call
When an emergency happens, you may become the lifeline for someone in need. You could be the only person available to make a 911 call.
While this may seem intimidating, remember that the person on the other end of the 911 call is there to help you and the persons affected by the emergency. Working together, the two of you can become a life-saving team that brings a trained responder to your location.
While making a 911 call may still seem a daunting task, knowing what to expect and what is expected of you can give you a bit more confidence in that situation.
Below you’ll find some information on making emergency calls. It should help you feel more prepared for handling those difficult situations when you are required to call 911.
Stay calm. You’ll be able to think more clearly if you do and it will be easier for the dispatcher to understand you.
Be prepared with detailed information about the situation. Try to know the answers to these questions:
- Who is in need of help?
- What happened or what is the problem?
- What condition is the person in?
- Where did it take place?
- When did it occur?
Answer questions the dispatcher asks. You may be asked other questions by the call-taker. Answer them to the best of your ability.
Do what is asked of you. The dispatcher may ask you to do any number of things. This includes finding out more information, checking for breathing, or providing medical assistance to the needy person. Do your best to follow his/her instructions.
Provide a call-back number if asked to. This should be the phone number where you can be reached. It might be your cell phone, the phone number of the house you’re calling from, or your home phone.
Stay on the line until told otherwise. The dispatcher may still need information from you so don’t hang up until s/he says to do so.
Remember that a 911 call is ONLY for emergencies. Calling it just for fun is no joke. In fact, it’s a crime. If you DO call by mistake, don’t hang up. That will make the dispatcher think there is a problem. Instead, politely explain your error.
You can help save a life with a 911 call. Don’t be afraid to make that call when the need arises.
Deanna says
Great skill to have our kids know. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions for helping them feel comfortable/confident if the time comes for them to make that call.
Susan Brown says
I agree that it’s a good skill to have, but hopefully one that our kids won’t have to use very often. 🙂