The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system is designed to get help quickly to those in need. 911 was first started in the US in 1968. The first call rang into Haleyville, Alabama. The idea of a common number was developed by an association of fire chiefs who wanted an easier way for people to report fires. In about 93% of this country, 911 is the number which provides access to a medically trained dispatcher.

It is the dispatcher's job to sort through the information you provide, identify the type of emergency at hand and send the appropriate help.

You should expect the dispatcher to ask specific questions about the call. You may be asked what type of emergency you are reporting, the location of the emergency, how many patients are involved, the seriousness of the injuries and what type of hazards are on the scene. You will also be requested to stay on the phone with the dispatcher in case other questions arise. If needed, the dispatcher can provide medical care instructions, such as CPR or airway obstruction relief before emergency units arrive.

When calling 911 from a cellular phone, the dispatcher may not be able to identify your exact location. Legislation is requiring all cellular phone providers to "enhance" their services over the next couple of years so that all calls to 911 can be easily traced. Until then, you will need to be more specific about your location, direction of travel and nearby landmarks. Check with your cellular phone provider for more information. EMS should be called any time life or property are in jeopardy. Fire, automobile accidents, crime and medical emergencies are the most common reasons EMS is activated. Medical emergencies that require a call to 911 include unresponsive patients, difficulty breathing, bleeding, chest pain, paralysis, severe headaches 8. obvious trauma.

Police or fire department personnel provide a quick response to most emergency Paramedics bring advanced life support treatment to the pre hospital setting. Their skills include advanced cardiac and trauma care, airway management and intravenous drug therapies. In addition they can provide transportation to the hospital emergency department for the critical patient. When emergencies occur in remote locations, the 911 dispatcher can send a medical helicopter or units capable of extricating patients from dangerous situations.

Type & Location of Emergency.

Number of Patients.