Things You'll Need:
- Telephone (Landline or Cellular)
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Step 1
Most importantly, attempt to remain calm. Asses the situation - what is the emergency? Is a building on fire? Has someone been shot? Is your mother having a heart attack? It is your responsibility to be able to communicate that to the Dispatcher. If the call is not an emergency, state that to the Dispatcher first thing.
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Step 2
Let the Dispatcher lead the conversation. He or she will have questions they need to ask - let them ask those questions, and answer them as well as you can. This will assist the Dispatcher in getting you assistance as soon as possible.
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Step 3
Figure out your location. This can be more difficult when you are driving - first figure out what road you are on, what direction you are going, and what the nearest cross-street is. (I.e. I am on Hwy 14 southbound, just now passing Hwy 169) Location is the single most important piece of information you can give the Dispatcher. In the age of cell phones, the Dispatch center will not necessarily know where you are just from your 911 call.
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Step 4
Communicate the basics of the situation. "My mother is having a heart attack, we're trying to get to the hospital but we want an ambulance to meet us." The 911 Center may have to transfer you to another agency. Be patient if this occurs - they are just trying to get you help that will get to you as fast as possible.
