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Step 1
When you have to call 911, it's a good bet that your adrenaline will be pumping and you'll really be frightened or upset. The first rule to remember is that you have to do all you can to stay calm. Someone's life depends on it. Breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth as you go for the phone and wait for an answer.
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Step 2
Give the vital information first. State your name and the phone number you're calling from. If you get disconnected, they will need a phone number to call you back at.
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Step 3
Tell them you need an ambulance sent to the address you are calling from. Then tell them the most important information about the person in trouble. Tell them if they are bleeding, in severe pain or if they are unconscious. If there's anything else going on--they can't breathe properly or their eyes are rolling back, for example, tell them this now. This information helps them to diagnose what's up and give you instructions on what to do.
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Step 4
Listen carefully to what they tell you to do and keep the phone with you if you can. If not, tell them you will lay the phone down and then go and do exactly what you're told. When you have done what they asked tell them I did thus and such to make everything was done as they intended.
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Step 5
If you are very upset the 911 operator may stay on the phone with you until help arrives. If they can't do that because of other emergencies you can call the closest person you know to come over. If you need a sitter, call them now so you can accompany the person to the hospital.
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Step 6
Stay with the person in trouble until help arrives. At that time, back off and give them room to work unless they request your help. Answer all of their questions and try not to ask your own until they've got the person stable. You can talk to them as you ride in the ambulance with the person later.
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Step 7
Make an emergency list with these instructions, the names and numbers of doctors, family members and babysitters.Add a list of all family members' prescriptions, supplements and over the counter drugs. Keep insurance cards in your wallet and your spouse's at all times. Put the list inside the cabinet nearest the telephone. When you have an emergency just take this list down and carry it to the phone with you. Make sure to take it to the hospital as well.
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Step 8
Train every family member in how to dial 911 and what to say. Let them all know where your list is and they are to get that when they need to call an ambulance. Just a little forethought can assure you that you will do everything possible in any emergency.
