911 For Emergencies

Save 911 for Emergencies!

Non-emergency calls to the 911 system or any emergency phone number can create delays in handling other very serious emergencies that require immediate attention.

The 911 emergency telephone system is in place in many US cities to assist citizens with MEDICAL or FIRE and POLICE emergencies.

Please follow these guidelines for the proper use of the 911 system for FIRE and MEDICAL emergencies:

CALL 911 for a LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY such as:

  • Breathing difficulty/shortness of breath/ breathing has stopped
  • Choking (can’t talk or breathe)
  • Constant chest pain – in adults (lasting longer than two minutes)
  • Uncontrollable bleeding / large blood loss
  • Drowning
  • Electrocution
  • Drug overdose /poisoning
  • Gunshot wounds, stabbing
  • Vomiting blood
  • Sudden fainting/unconsciousness
  • Convulsions / seizures (uncontrolled jerking, movements, the patient may fall to the floor).
  • Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing / unresponsive)
  • Major burns (white or charred skin: blisters and redness over large area)
  • Someone who will not wake up, even when you shake them.
  • SEVERE injuries from:
    • Traffic accident
    • Head Injury
    • Significant falls
    • Physical entrapment (i.e. car accident with victim trapped in the vehicle)

Do NOT call 911 for NON-EMERGENCY situations.

Non-Emergency calls to Taylors Fire Department should be placed to 864-244-3980.

Examples of NON-EMERGENCIES are:

  • MINOR illness or injury not requiring immediate help:
    • Flu/common cold
    • Chronic (ongoing) aches and pain
    • Minor cuts
    • Broken fingers or toes
    • EMOTIONAL UPSETS
    • ROUTINE TRANSPORTATION to medical offices, clinics and hospitals

These are general guidelines. If there is any doubt, do not hesitate to call the paramedics.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REQUEST EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ON 911?

Understanding what happens when a 911 call is placed will help the system run more efficiently and will bring you the emergency service you need in the shortest possible time.

When you call 911 identify your call as a MEDICAL or FIRE emergency. In many areas the dispatcher will ELECTRONICALLY RECEIVE the address and telephone number OF THE CALLER. However, if you are not sure if the emergency system in your area captures that information, tell the dispatcher your address and phone number.

CRITICAL INFORMATION THE DISPATCHER NEEDS TO KNOW:

  • WHAT’S THE EMERGENCY?
    • What’s wrong?
  • WHERE IS THE EMERGENCY?
    • address,
    • building name and number
    • apartment number
    • nearest cross streets.
    • any information that will help responders identify your location quickly
  • WHO NEEDS HELP?
    • ages
    • number of people
  • ARE THEY CONSCIOUS? Yes or no.
  • ARE THEY BREATHING? Yes or no.

Expect that the accuracy of all telephone numbers and addresses will be verified again by the dispatcher. They want to make sure they have the correct information so that they can best assist you.

WAIT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HANG UP BEFORE YOU DO.

Remain calm and give direct answers to the questions asked. Speak slowly and clearly. You will be asked additional questions so the dispatcher can send the right type of help. All questions are important.

The dispatcher may also provide you with CRITICAL PRE-ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS, such as CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) or the Heimlich maneuver.

HOW YOU CAN HELP BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVES:

  • ASSURE THE PATIENT that help is on the way.
  • KEEP THE PHONE LINE CLEAR after the 911 call is made.
  • DIRECT SOMEONE TO WAIT OUT FRONT to meet the ambulance and lead the way.
  • WAVE A FLASHLIGHT or turn on flashers of a car or porch light if it’s dark or visibility is poor.
  • CONSIDER HAVING AN INTERPRETER if the patient does not speak English.
  • SECURE PETS, especially dogs, in a separate area.
  • HAVE A VISIBLE ADDRESS, easily readable from the street.
  • GATHER OR MAKE A LIST OF ALL MEDICATIONS, Vitamins and Supplements that the patient is taking and give the list to emergency personnel.

Non-Emergency calls to Taylors Fire Department should be placed to 864-244-3980.

For non-emergency transportation, options may include taxis, rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provider, or a private ambulance service. These services can typically be found through their apps, an online search, local directories, or recommendations from your healthcare provider or facility.

Resources: http://www.livingstoncity.com

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