Tips for emergency reporting Published April 30, 2008 By 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- When reporting an emergency, call 911 and remain calm as possible. If necessary, take a deep breath and try to speak clearly. Immediately tell the 911 dispatcher the nature of your emergency. For example, "I need the police, fire or an ambulance." This is important since you will be transferred to the appropriate agency at Scott Air Force Base. The fire department receives both fire and medical 911 calls on Scott. Be prepared to provide the following information: - Location of the emergency - Location you are calling from (if different from the emergency location) - Name and call back telephone number - Short and to the point details of the emergency -- If it is a medical emergency, give the condition of the subject to include sex, age, medical complaint or condition, if they are breathing and conscious, any information on drugs or alcohol that may be in their system, allergies etc. -- If it is a fire emergency, tell the operator what is on fire, such as a building, house, vehicle, vegetation, trash etc. If it is the building or house you are calling from, get out. - Details, names, descriptions of any persons or vehicles involved in the incident. - Any other information requested by the 911 dispatcher. Follow any instructions given to you by the 911 dispatcher unless doing so would put yourself or others in danger. You may be required to administer life-saving medical treatment or to remove yourself or others from a potentially dangerous situation. You might be asked to open or unlock your front door or wait for responding emergency personnel. Stay on the line until instructed to disconnect. When faced with an emergency, every second counts and a few moments can seem like a lifetime when waiting for help. At times, the questions the dispatcher may ask you may seem unnecessary and unimportant. Keep in mind that these questions are necessary in order provide the best course of action for your situation. Often emergency personnel may already be responding while the 911 dispatcher still has you on the line. Be patient when you are asked to be place on hold. The dispatcher may be dispatching the information via radio to the responding personnel or may have another emergency that also needs attention. Other things to keep in mind: · Answer all questions honestly, directly and quickly. Do not embellish or fabricate information because you think it may accomplish a faster response. Reporting a false emergency or misuse of 911 is a crime and you may inadvertently prevent someone else from obtaining emergency assistance. You may also be placing an innocent party in danger or under unnecessary suspicion. · Try not to yell, use profanity or be discourteous to the 911 dispatcher. Their jobs are difficult and stressful enough. If you feel any emergency responder has treated you unfairly or unprofessionally, you have the right to file a complaint with their agency. · You may be faced with a situation in which you are unable to remain on the line to answer questions. If this is the case, dial 911, provide as much information as possible and leave the line open until help arrives.