Emergencies happen when we least expect them, and they require fast thinking and action. But different emergencies call for different approaches. The New Mexico State University Police and Fire Departments want you to be prepared when you call 911.
Call 911 if:
- You see a crime being committed, like a break-in, mugging, etc.
- There is a fire, vehicle accident or an uncontrolled hazardous release or spill
- Someone is injured or unconscious
- Someone is exhibiting signs of distress, like trouble breathing, seizure activity or in severe pain
- Someone is exhibiting signs of over intoxication or acting in such a way that they are posing a threat to their safety or others
911 Misdials
If you dial 911 by mistake—you hit the wrong button on your phone, for example—don’t just hang up. In areas where dispatchers can trace the call, you could find a fire truck or police car in your driveway. Stay on the line and tell the operator what happened so he or she knows that there is no real emergency.
What to Say
When you call 911, the emergency dispatch operator will probably ask what, where and who questions. Be prepared to answer:
- "What is the emergency?" or "What happened?"
- "Where are you?" or "Where do you live?"
- "Who needs help?" or "Who is with you?"
Obviously, when you are making a call to emergency services, you are in an emergency and have a lot of adrenaline flowing. This may impede your speech or cause you to start talking too fast, too slow, begin stuttering, etc. The dispatch operator understands and will help you through it.
When an emergency arises, keep these things in mind:
- Find a phone. If you don’t have a mobile phone, or can’t use someone else’s phone, find a land line. This will help determine your location. If it's a fire, don't stay in the building, get out first. Make sure you are far enough away from the emergency to be safe unless someone is badly hurt.
- Call 911. Press 9. Press 1. Press 1 again. Hit the "Call" button. Be aware that, sometimes, it takes time for the phone to route to the correct answering point. Be patient. Do NOT hang up if you don’t connect immediately!
- Do not panic. This is easier said than done but it’s best not to panic. Remember: Panic is the enemy, in this race against time. Instead, begin to plan your answers for the dispatcher.
- Where is the emergency? The emergency is not always located where you are calling from. Always be aware of your surroundings and where you are. Try to look for the road signs, business names and intersections.
- Nature of the emergency. Do you require assistance from law enforcement, medical professionals and/or firefighters? In certain areas, the dispatcher or a computer will tell you to dial certain numbers to help them know which department to connect you with and whom you should talk to.
- A detailed, yet concise, description of what happened. How many details do you know? What should have the most importance? In general, the most important thing is why you need assistance (a gunshot wound, for example), followed by what caused you to need assistance (say, a school shooting).
- The phone number you are calling from. The dispatcher will need instructions on how to get to you and may need to call back for more information. If you are calling from someone else’s mobile phone or are calling from a landline, make sure you have the number handy.
- Personal information. Give the dispatcher your name and address
- Listen to the dispatcher. Follow orders. The better and faster you follow orders, the higher everyone's rate of survival will be. Even in a non-lethal situation (broken bones, etc.) this is of vital importance. Have strict, unwavering faith in the dispatcher and remember that even while the dispatcher is still asking questions or giving instructions, help is already on the way.
- Do not hang up until instructed to do so. Anything can happen, and emergency services need to know your situation as it continues to change. If the building is on fire, for example, the dispatcher will need to know if there are other people in the building and the location of safe exits.
Dealing with an emergency can be scary for anyone. NMSU’s Emergency Planning Committee wants you to feel prepared and to know what to do if an emergency does come up.
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