In this informative series, ATCEMS shares information to help our citizens’ deal with a variety of unusual circumstances and emergencies. We will provide guidance intended to help you deal with unexpected situations. Calling 911, correctly reacting to emergency vehicles, and appropriate first aid measures to utilize when dealing with traumatic injuries and some common medical complaints are some of the topics we intend to cover. We hope you enjoy and share these presentations.
CALLING 911
It’s not as easy as you might think! After you dial your call is answered with a question, “Do you need police, fire or ambulance?”
If you report that you need and ambulance, you will be transferred to one of the Austin-Travis County EMS Communications medics. These specially trained medics will steer you down the fastest path to get the help you need to your location. Here is how you help make this happen:
- Stay calm.
- Answer questions slowly and clearly and do not jump ahead.
- Stay with the patient if possible. You may be given advice on how to help.
- Do not hang up. You may be able to help guide responders to your location.
While the communications medic is speaking with you, another medic is dispatching the help you need.
This is the first in a series of short presentations intended to familiarize people with the 911 system, give some helpful ideas in the event of an emergency and set expectations for those who need to use the emergency response system here in Austin and Travis County.