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Tips for Calling 911
Stay calm. Answer questions. Follow directions. Paying attention to these simple guidelines when calling for aid will help emergency crews respond more quickly and effectively. "In an emergency, the caller becomes our partner," said Jon Clingaman, operations supervisor for Acadian Ambulance Service's Southeast Texas region. "It's essential that they be prepared and know what to expect." Acadian recently opened a communications center in Beaumont and dispatches all Southeast Texas calls from that location. Here's what you need to know when placing an emergency call: - Stay calm. The dispatcher understands the urgency of the situation. If you get excited, you're likely to miss questions or instructions.
- Know where you are. Provide your exact address and phone number. If you don't know the address, use well-known landmarks to describe your location. Even if emergency crews have responded before, the dispatcher still needs for you to provide the location and address.
- Answer all questions. These do not delay the response: Emergency crews likely are being sent while you are on the phone. If you are given directions, follow them exactly. If you don't understand what you are being asked to do, ask for clarification.
- Do not hang up until the dispatcher has all the information he or she needs. Stay by the phone in case they need to call you back.
Finally, make sure you have prepared your family for an emergency. Keep emergency phone numbers for police, fire and EMS posted by each phone in your home. Learn to recognize a medical emergency and know when to call for help. Keep your family's medical records handy and up to date. "Preparing for an emergency can save more than just time," Clingaman said. "It can save a life."
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