In times of crisis, a simple three-digit number can be a lifeline and knowing the 3 top priorities for calling 999. When emergencies strike, knowing how to dial 999 can mean the difference between swift assistance and a potentially dire situation.
This blog will explain the three top priorities for calling 999, what the call handler will say, and shed light on the critical process of making emergency calls. We’ll explore when it’s appropriate to dial 999, how to navigate the call effectively, what to expect once you’ve made the call, and much more. Whether you’re a concerned parent, a responsible citizen, or just curious about the workings of emergency services, read on to understand the significance of 999 and how it plays a pivotal role in saving lives.
Understanding the Importance of Emergency Services
Emergency services are the unsung heroes of our communities, operating 24/7, 365 days a year. Their significance cannot be overstated, as they are the first responders to a wide range of critical situations. Here’s why understanding their importance is paramount:
- Rapid Response: Emergency services, including medical responders, firefighters, and the police, are specially trained to react swiftly to crises. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle situations that most of us are unprepared for. Their rapid response can be the difference between life and death in medical emergencies, the containment of fires, or the prevention of criminal activities.
- Public Safety: The primary mission of emergency services is to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. They provide a sense of security and peace of mind to individuals and communities, knowing that help is just a phone call away. This sense of security fosters a stable and functioning society.
- Coordination and Expertise: Emergency services operate with a high degree of coordination and expertise. They are trained to handle complex scenarios, such as natural disasters, large-scale accidents, or public health crises. Their ability to manage these situations efficiently and effectively is a testament to their importance.
When and Why You Might Need to Call 999
Knowing when and why to call 999 is crucial, as it ensures that emergency services are deployed where and when they are needed most. Here are some situations in which you should not hesitate to make that call:
- Medical Emergencies: If someone is experiencing a severe injury, sudden illness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or loss of consciousness, call 999 immediately. Timely medical intervention can be life-saving.
- Fire Emergencies: In the event of a fire, whether it’s in your home, workplace, or in public spaces, call 999 without delay. Fires can escalate rapidly, and firefighters need to arrive quickly to contain and extinguish them.
- Police Emergencies: Crimes in progress, situations involving violence or weapons, or any immediate threat to life or property should prompt a call to 999. The police are trained to handle these situations and protect the public.
- Reporting Accidents and Emergencies on the Road: If you witness a serious accident on the road, a hazardous road condition, or any incident that requires immediate attention, dial 999. This will prompt the appropriate emergency response, whether it’s medical, fire, or police.
What are the 3 top priorities for calling 999?
When calling 999 (or 112 for Europe and the UK) it’s crucial to prioritise situations where immediate intervention is required to save lives or prevent significant harm. The top three priorities for calling 999 typically include:
- A casualty that is not breathing and need CPR now
- A casualty who has a catastrophic bleed – to an artery and that is spurting
- A casualty that has a breathing or chest problem; chest injury, crushing chest, sucking chest wound, anaphylaxis shock, severe asthma attack (inhaler is not effective), and any breathing difficulties.
Also in point three, if the casualty is having a heart attack or stroke, and if the casualty is unconsciousness and not responding to any response under AVPU – alert, voice, pressure and unresponsive.
Even though the three top priorities for calling 999 are mentioned above, that doesn’t mean not to call 999 for anything else. 999 are there to call if you are unsure of immediate attention and unsure if an ambulance is needed or not. The emergencies are there to help.
Calling 999
Dialling 999: What Happens When You Make the Call
When you dial 999, your call is routed to a dedicated emergency call centre where highly trained operators are standing by to assist you. The moment your call connects, the operator will typically answer with a phrase like “Emergency, which service do you require?” or if the ambulance is required, “is the casualty breathing?”
It’s crucial to stay on the line and not hang up, even if you’re unable to speak initially. Emergency operators are trained to handle silent or disconnected calls and will prioritise dispatching assistance to your location. The operator will assess the nature of your emergency and the service you require, whether it’s the police, fire service, or ambulance service. They will ask you specific questions to gather essential information and determine the appropriate response.
Providing Essential Information to the Operator
Effective communication with the emergency operator is vital to ensure a prompt and accurate response. The ambulance will be dispatched if the casualty fits within the 3 top priorities for calling 999. Be prepared to provide critical information, including your location (address or landmarks), the nature of the emergency (medical, fire, or police), and details about the situation. Speak clearly and calmly, and answer the operator’s questions to the best of your ability. If you’re unsure about a detail, it’s okay to say so, but try to provide as much information as you can. This might include the number of individuals involved, any hazards present, or any immediate threats to safety. Accurate information allows emergency services to reach your location quickly and adequately equipped to address the situation.
Staying Calm and Focused During the Call
Maintaining composure during a 999 call is challenging but essential. Emergencies can be highly stressful, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed.
However, it’s crucial to stay as calm and focused as possible. The operator is there to guide you through the process and provide assistance, so follow their instructions carefully. If you’re witnessing or experiencing a medical emergency, provide any necessary first aid while on the line with the operator if you have the knowledge to do so.
Keep in mind that your ability to provide clear and concise information directly impacts the speed and effectiveness of the response. Take deep breaths, speak slowly and clearly, and remember that help is on the way. After the call, continue to follow any instructions the operator has provided until emergency services arrive.
What Happens After You Call 999
After you’ve made the crucial call to 999, a series of carefully orchestrated steps are set into motion to address your emergency effectively. First and foremost, the operator you spoke with will dispatch the appropriate emergency services based on the information you provided. Whether it’s an ambulance rushing to a medical emergency, firefighters responding to a fire, or the police heading to a crime scene, their response is swift and well-coordinated.
Call handlers enter vital information about the patient’s status and location into a computer system. This data is forwarded to an emergency medical dispatcher, who determines the best course of action.
Dispatching Emergency Services
The dispatch process is highly efficient, with dispatchers relaying critical details to the closest available units. Advanced technology, including GPS and mapping systems, aids in pinpointing your location accurately. This ensures that help is on its way as quickly as possible.
Response Times and Priorities
Response times can vary depending on the nature and urgency of the emergency, as well as your location. Life-threatening situations receive the highest priority, and emergency services strive to arrive within minutes. For medical emergencies, the “golden hour” is a critical window during which rapid medical intervention can be lifesaving. Fire and police responses also prioritise speed, aiming to minimise damage and protect lives.
Instructions While Waiting for Help to Arrive
While waiting for emergency services to arrive, the operator may provide you with instructions on how to assist the casualty or minimise risks to yourself and others. For medical emergencies, they might guide you through performing CPR or administering basic first aid. In cases of fires or hazardous situations, they may advise you on evacuating the premises safely or taking measures to contain the situation. It’s crucial to follow these instructions carefully, as they can make a significant difference in the outcome of the emergency. Stay on the line with the operator until help arrives, as they may provide updates or additional guidance as the situation evolves. Your cooperation and calm demeanour during this critical phase can greatly contribute to a successful outcome.
Other things you will need to do while waiting for the paramedics or ambulance to arrive, is to stay calm, administrate first aid or CPR, make sure the location where the ambulance is coming to is well lit, and easily located. Someone can await outside and flag them down.
When the ambulance arrives
When medical help arrives, they will examine the patient’s clinical status and, if necessary, administer treatment at the scene. If the patient requires more care, they will notify the hospital so that they can prepare for their arrival. They will transport the patient to the nearest A&E department.
The ambulance crew prepares themselves and the ambulance for the next call out after handing over the patient to the hospital.
What we Train – including the 3 top priorities for calling 999
All of our courses are tailored for the group of learners in a fun and friendly way. We consider your start and end times to adapt to your staff schedule. We can add any specifics from your polices, systems of work or previous accidents and risk assessments amendments. On our courses we can add any extra modules or certain previous accidents or near misses. The first aid courses can be adapted to include an element of health and safety. You are really getting a lot for your money and time taking courses with HMB Training Services. Lets teach you what you need to know before giving CPR.
Emergency First Aid at work;
The Emergency First Aid at Work course is a vital training designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills to handle emergency situations in the workplace. This course provides participants with the knowledge and confidence to effectively respond to injuries, illnesses, and accidents that may occur on-site. Covering topics such as assessing and managing incidents, CPR, choking, bleeding control, and more. The Emergency First Aid at Work course ensures that attendees are prepared to provide immediate and appropriate assistance until professional medical help arrives. This comprehensive training is essential for creating a safe and prepared work environment, where employees can confidently handle emergencies and potentially save lives.
First Aid at Work;
The First Aid at Work course is a comprehensive training course designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to a wide range of medical emergencies in the workplace. This course goes beyond basic first aid training and covers topics such as assessing and managing incidents, CPR and AED usage, treating various injuries and illnesses, dealing with trauma, and more. Participants will learn how to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently, ensuring the well-being of their colleagues and reducing the risk of further harm. The First Aid at Work course is essential for designated workplace first aiders, supervisors, and anyone responsible for the health and safety of employees. By completing this course, individuals can play a crucial role in promoting a safe and prepared work environment, where prompt and effective first aid can make a significant difference in saving lives and minimising the impact of injuries or illnesses.
Why is it vital to know how to administer First Aid Courses in West Midlands?
- Reduce accidents and injuries in your workplace
- Quick reaction and speed in administrating first aid will help save lives
- Reduce the number of incidents by sufficient trained first aiders
- Become more confident and knowledgeable in treating someone
- Increases safety within the workplace; having first aid training promotes a sense of safety and well-being
- Reduce the cost to the employer; reduce staff absences and fines from HSE
- First aid Training is a form of team-building activity
If you are looking for first aid training courses click here
Additionally, please do call us on 01543 453338 to see how we can help with delivering group training courses.
