When to Call 911

In times of emergency, knowing when and how to call 911 is crucial. The 911 service connects individuals to police, fire, or medical help during critical situations that require immediate attention. However, it’s important to understand that not all situations warrant a 911 call. This detailed guide will help you identify when it’s appropriate to dial 911, how the process works, and what to expect when you make that call.

What Is 911?

911 is an emergency telephone number in Canada used to request immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or emergency medical services (EMS). It is a critical tool for ensuring public safety and is intended for life-threatening or dangerous situations that require urgent attention.

When Should You Call 911?

The primary purpose of 911 is to handle emergency situations that involve a direct threat to health, safety, or property. Here are some examples of emergencies where you should call 911:

1. Medical Emergencies:
   • Severe chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack.
   • Difficulty breathing or signs of a stroke.
   • Unconsciousness, fainting, or unresponsiveness.
   • Severe bleeding or injuries (e.g., broken bones).
   • Poisoning or drug overdose.
   • Choking or other obstructions that block breathing.
   • Allergic reactions causing difficulty breathing.
2. Fire Emergencies:
   • Any fire, explosion, or uncontrolled smoke.
   • Gas leaks.
   • Situations where individuals are trapped in a burning building or vehicle.
3. Criminal Activities:
   • Ongoing crimes such as assaults, robberies, burglaries, or domestic violence.
   • Suspicious activities or individuals posing an immediate threat.
   • Missing children or abductions.
   • Witnessing someone with a weapon or making violent threats.
4. Traffic Accidents:
   • Serious car accidents with injuries or people trapped inside.
   • Hit-and-run incidents where injuries occur.
   • Situations where the roadway is blocked, and people are in danger.
5. Dangerous Situations:
   • Natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes) where immediate help is needed.
   • Electrical hazards or downed power lines.
   • Situations where hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals) are released.

When Not to Call 911

While 911 is a powerful tool, it should only be used for emergencies. For non-urgent situations, there are other appropriate resources available:

• Non-Emergency Police Line: Call the non-emergency number for situations such as noise complaints, vandalism, or reporting a past crime. In Toronto, the non-emergency number is 416-808-2222.
• Medical Advice (Non-Emergent): For minor injuries, illnesses, or general health concerns, consult your doctor, visit a walk-in clinic, or use provincial health lines like Telehealth Ontario (811).
• Public Utilities: If you experience issues with utilities like water, power, or natural gas, contact the relevant service provider directly.
• Telehealth Services: Telehealth lines in various provinces can assist you with medical advice for situations that do not require an ambulance or emergency room visit.

What Happens When You Call 911?

Making a 911 call initiates a carefully structured process designed to gather information quickly and dispatch the appropriate emergency services. Here’s what happens step-by-step:

1. The Call Is Answered: When you call 911, a trained dispatcher will answer and immediately ask for your location. Be prepared to provide your exact address or as much detail as possible about where you are.
2. Determine the Type of Emergency: You will be asked whether you need police, fire, or medical assistance. If you’re unsure, explain the situation, and the dispatcher will guide you.
3. Provide Important Information: The dispatcher will ask for specific details about the emergency. This may include:
   • What happened (e.g., fire, crime, accident, medical event).
   • The number of people involved.
   • Any immediate dangers (e.g., weapons, smoke, ongoing violence).
   • The condition of the individuals affected (e.g., conscious or unconscious, breathing or not breathing).
4. Stay Calm and Follow Instructions: Stay calm and follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully. They may ask you to perform certain tasks such as:
   • Moving to a safer location.
   • Performing CPR or other first aid.
   • Unlocking doors or turning on lights to assist responders.
5. Help Is Sent: Once the dispatcher has the necessary information, they will send the appropriate emergency personnel to your location. Stay on the line if requested, and provide additional information as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calling 911

What if I’m not sure if it’s an emergency? If you’re uncertain, it’s always better to call 911 and let the dispatcher decide. They are trained to assess situations quickly and will let you know if another resource is more appropriate.

Can I call 911 if I don’t speak English? Yes, 911 operators can provide assistance in over 180 languages. When you call, state the language you speak, and the dispatcher will connect you with a translator. Stay on the line while this happens.

What if I accidentally call 911? If you dial 911 by mistake, do not hang up. Instead, stay on the line and inform the dispatcher that it was an accident and that there is no emergency. Hanging up could result in emergency services following up to ensure there is no danger.

Can I text 911? In Canada, texting 911 is available only to individuals who are Deaf, Deafened, Hard of Hearing, or Speech Impaired (DHHSI). If you fall into one of these categories, ensure you have registered your phone with your service provider for Text with 911 (T9-1-1).

What if my phone is old or has no service? Even if your phone does not have an active plan or SIM card, it can still dial 911. Keep in mind that if your phone’s GPS is not active, it may be harder for emergency responders to locate you, so providing an accurate address is crucial.

How to Avoid Accidental 911 Calls

Accidental calls to 911 can delay help for real emergencies. To prevent unintentional calls:

• Lock your phone properly to prevent pocket dialing.
• Disable or modify the emergency SOS feature on smartphones, if needed. On iPhones, go to Settings > Emergency SOS. On Android devices, go to Settings > Safety and Emergency.
• Do not let children play with active or old phones. Even without a SIM card, phones can still call 911.
• Avoid programming 911 into your phone’s contacts. This can lead to accidental dials.

What to Expect After Calling 911

Once you’ve called 911, help is on the way. Here’s what to expect:

• Police or Emergency Responders on the Scene: Depending on your situation, you may see police officers, firefighters, or paramedics arrive. Stay calm, and provide them with any additional information.
• Remain Safe: If you’re in a dangerous situation, try to stay calm and keep yourself safe until help arrives. Follow any instructions provided by the dispatcher.
• Communication with Responders: Once emergency services are on the scene, they may ask additional questions to understand the situation. Provide clear and accurate information to help them respond effectively.

Conclusion

Calling 911 is a crucial action that could save lives during an emergency. By knowing when and how to make the call, you can ensure that emergency services reach you quickly when needed. Always reserve 911 for true emergencies, but don’t hesitate to dial if you believe immediate help is required. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a fire, or an ongoing crime, 911 operators are trained to assess the situation and get you the help you need.

Remember, when in doubt, call 911—it’s better to be safe than sorry.