for adults/adolescents you should call/activate

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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23-02-2025

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When to Call or Activate Emergency Services: A Guide for Adults and Adolescents

Calling emergency services is a critical skill everyone should possess. Knowing when and how to activate help can be the difference between life and death, or a minor injury becoming a serious one. This guide provides clear guidance for adults and adolescents on when to make that important call.

Understanding When to Call Emergency Services

The most common emergency number is 911 (in the United States and Canada). Other countries have different numbers; it's crucial to know your country's emergency number. You should call emergency services when faced with a situation that poses an immediate threat to life, health, or safety. This isn't just for major accidents—it also includes situations requiring immediate medical intervention.

Situations Requiring Immediate Emergency Assistance:

• Life-threatening injuries or illnesses: These include severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, stroke symptoms (sudden numbness, weakness, or confusion), severe allergic reactions, and poisoning. Don't hesitate; call immediately.

• Serious accidents: This includes car crashes, falls from significant heights, serious burns, drowning, and other incidents resulting in severe injury. Even if the injured person seems okay initially, immediate medical attention is often crucial.

• Violent crimes: If you witness or are a victim of a crime, such as assault, robbery, or domestic violence, call 911 immediately. Your safety is paramount.

• Suspected heart attack or stroke: These are time-sensitive medical emergencies. Every minute counts.

• Severe weather emergencies: If you are in immediate danger during a severe storm, flood, or other natural disaster, contact emergency services.

Situations Where You Might Need to Consider Calling:

Some situations are less immediately life-threatening but still warrant careful consideration. These situations might require calling emergency services depending on their severity and your ability to access other help.

• Severe pain: Intense, persistent pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain relievers might require medical attention.

• Sudden illness: If you experience sudden and unexplained symptoms, especially if they worsen rapidly, it’s wise to seek medical attention.

• Mental health crisis: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, resources like crisis hotlines and emergency services can provide support and intervention.

• Suspicious activity: If you notice suspicious activity that might indicate a crime in progress or a potential threat to safety, contact the authorities.

What to Do When You Call Emergency Services:

• Remain calm: Try to speak clearly and concisely. Panic can hinder communication.

• Provide accurate information: Give your location, the nature of the emergency, and any relevant details.

• Answer questions: Cooperate fully with the dispatcher's instructions.

• Follow instructions: Wait for emergency responders to arrive.

For Adolescents:

Adolescents should know they can call 911 even without parental permission in emergencies. This is especially important if you are experiencing abuse or violence.

When NOT to Call 911:

It's equally important to understand when not to call emergency services. Misuse can tie up lines for those who genuinely need immediate help. Avoid calling 911 for non-emergencies like minor injuries, simple requests for information, or to report non-urgent issues. Instead, use appropriate non-emergency lines for those situations.

Remember, calling emergency services is a crucial responsibility. Knowing when to act quickly and decisively can save lives. Familiarity with this information empowers individuals to respond effectively in critical situations.