Calling 911
Step1
Ask yourself, “What is the emergency?” and decide, quickly, whether or not you need to call 911. The simple test is, if a person needs immediate help or is in immediate danger, call 911. If there has been a car accident and someone is obviously injured, if there’s a fire, or if someone is unconscious or badly bleeding, call 911.
Step2
When you call 911, the Austin area emergency dispatch operator will probably ask questions about what happened and where in the Austin area you are. Be ready to give detailed and articulate responses.
Step3
If you don’t know the person needing help, try to figure out the person’s name or any other pertinent information. Check for a medical bracelet (such as those diabetics wear) or a wallet, if you can easily access them without disturbing the individual or putting yourself at risk. Although you may feel a sense of panic in handling the emergency, try to stay calm and in control. The more relevant the information you provide the Austin dispatch operator, the faster he or she can get the right help to the right part of the city.
When Someone's Been Hurt
Step1
If someone's been in an accident or is unconscious, don't try to move the person. He or she may have a neck or spine injury and moving them could do further damage. If the person is bleeding, put pressure on the wound with a cloth or piece of clothing to slow the blood flow. But, don't try to clean the wound, as it may do more damage.
Step2
Remember to remain aware of your surroundings at all times. If, for example, the victim is a rock climber out on a limb, make sure the ground is safe before trying to reach the person, or if the person who needs help is in the middle of a road, make sure it's safe before you try to get to the person and help. Do not put yourself in danger to get to the victim.
Step3
Just because an injured person is conscious, he or she may still be at risk of internal injury or concussion. In some accidents, people seem fine at first but end up having internal injuries. So it's a good idea to call 911 or take the person to the emergency department to get checked out. If someone is disoriented, feels sick, or has a headache, he or she may have a concussion or other head injury.
Step4
If someone has stopped breathing or is unconscious, the 911 operator may give you instructions for immediate help that you can provide, such as administering CPR or clearing the person's breathing passage. Stay on the phone and do not hang up until the operator tells you it’s ok. Don’t assume that Austin operators can trace where a call is coming from in the Austin area, and be sure that help is on the way.
Step5
Ask if a doctor is present. He or she may be able to stabilize the situation until emergency help arrives. You know that you need to stay calm and speak slowly and clearly so that the 911 operator can understand you.
Step6
Wait for help to arrive. Do what you can to make the situation as calm and controlled as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask others to assist. The Austin-Travis County EMS Department is the primary provider for medical rescue within the City of Austin and Travis County.
Step7
Once help has arrived, do what they tell you to do, and stay out of their way. Hopefully, they can take care of the person, stabilize him or her, and get them to a hospital for further treatment, if necessary. Again, wait until they say it’s OK for you to leave the location. They may have additional questions once the imminent danger has been alleviated.
Novice 
