Remain calm and speak clearly. Do not hang up. Know your location.
Provide the dispatcher with the following information:
- What is happening?
- What is the location?
- What is your name, address and phone number?
While we ask questions, we are entering the information into a Computerized Dispatch System (CAD). Other dispatchers can see that information and send help to you while we are still talking on the phone.
DO NOT HANG UP until the dispatcher advises you to do so. We will often keep you on the phone and obtain more information to give to the responders. For example, it often helps the paramedics on the ambulance to know what kind of medication the patient takes every day. The patient might have a breathing problem that is unrelated to the medication, but that information will improve the quality of the care paramedics can provide.