Calling 911: The Information Dispatchers Need First

When something frightening happens, most people want to explain the entire story immediately. The 911 call-taker is trying to do something more basic first: locate the emergency and send the right help.

Start with the location

Be ready to give the street address and any detail responders need to physically find you: apartment or room number, building name, floor, gate, trail marker, cross street, or another useful landmark.

Then answer the questions

The call-taker may ask for:

• The phone number you are calling from.
• The nature of the emergency.
• What happened.
• Injuries or symptoms you can see.
• Other details needed to send the appropriate responders.

Those questions are part of getting help to you; they are not simply delaying the response.

Stay on the line

Many 911 centers can provide step-by-step instructions for CPR, choking, first aid, and other emergencies while responders are coming. Do not hang up until the call-taker tells you to do so.

A simple drill

Ask everyone in your family or workplace one question: Could you tell 911 our exact location right now without looking it up?

It is a small preparedness habit, but in a stressful moment it can matter.

Related Guardian Field Notes

• Hands-Only CPR: Two Steps to Remember When an Adult Suddenly Collapses
• Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Know When the Emergency Changes

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Source and further reading: National 911 Program — Calling 911. Educational information only; in an emergency, call 911 and follow the call-taker's instructions.