Calling 911
When accessing resources by calling 911, make your initial statement very clear, and allow the dispatcher to ask the questions from that point. The call will be much more effective when the dispatcher is allowed to ask the questions after having received a clear initial statement from the caller. Screaming at dispatchers is not effective. If they cannot understand you, they certainly cannot be expected to get accurate information from you.
Sometimes callers feel that the dispatcher does not share in their urgency. Dispatchers ar trained to remain calm, and listen to the callers needs and determine what the emergency priority. 911 is not a question and answer hot line, for all the publics medical needs. It is designed to summon the appropriate resources in the event of an "emergency." If you are not sure if the situation is emergent then you should call 911.
When a person suffers a cardiac arrest, has no breathing and no pulse, this does not mean that the heart has completely stopped. In an arrest, it is very common that the heart continues to function, but abnormally. Consequently, because of abnormal rhythms, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. The most common rhythm presenting in cardiac arrest victims is Ventricular Fibrillation.
Taking a basic level CPR and First Aid class can help with understanding how to identify life threatening emergencies and appropriately responding until help arrives. Most emergency dispatchers are trained to provide basic instructions to help callers manage their situation. Dispatchers however are very limited in what they can do and it should be understood that they are not in a position to provide solutions to all emergencies. There will always be situations where there is nothing the dispatcher can do except to summon the appropriate resources.
Having basic life support training can help you effectively recognize and respond to many different kinds of emergencies. Training can make all the difference in somebody's world, when care is needed.
October 14th, 2010 on 10:32 am
I had to call 911 only once. It is very scary to have to call 911 for someone who is hurt if you are the only one there to help them but you must do it. The dispatcher may be able to help you manage the situation, some are better then others but most are pretty good. Yes, it also helps a great deal if you have CPR and First Aid training that way you are already a ninja and do what needs to be done.