*Article written for Connections (telecommunications company) newsletter to educate customers about Enhanced 9-1-1.

Enhanced 9-1-1 Speeds Response Time When Time Is of the Essence

A minute can seem like a long time, especially when you have an emergency. But in the short space of ten seconds, Connections, Etc.’s Enhanced 9-1-1 transmits your name, address and telephone number to the local dispatcher and connects you to the appropriate emergency service. In under a minute, the dispatcher can have fire, police and ambulance rolling to your address.

Are all phone services alike?

Modern cellular technology has broadened communication options. With a cell phone, you can be at the store, in the car or traveling on vacation and never miss a call. But for emergencies, nothing works better than a home-based (landline) phone, because with a home phone your address is automatically updated to the dispatcher’s screen. This is not the case with cell phones, which transmit the coordinates of the nearest cell phone tower, leaving it up to the caller to give her location.

An emergency scenario: What if someone is having a heart attack?

A heart attack is a frightening experience, and one of the most common medical emergencies treated by 9-1-1 dispatchers. Symptoms vary person to person and by gender but may include shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea and fatigue. Always call 9-1-1 even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack.

Once you place the call, a 9-1-1 dispatcher will immediately ask two things. What’s happening? And where are you? You’ll want to give a brief description of the symptoms. If you think it’s a heart attack, say it’s a heart attack. The dispatcher will then verify your address, making sure that what shows on his screen is correct. This all takes place in a matter of seconds.

Even after emergency services have been contacted, the dispatcher will want you to remain on the line. This is important so the dispatcher can monitor the situation and alert the EMTs to changes. Also, if necessary, he will instruct the caller in CPR, or direct the heart attack sufferer to sit down, not move around and remain calm.

Pre-arrival is the time between the initial 9-1-1 call and the ambulance’s arrival. Depending on where you live, this may take anywhere from two to twenty minutes. While you wait, the dispatcher will gather necessary information and relay it back to police and emergency medical services. When did the patient start feeling sick? What are the symptoms?
What’s the patient’s medical history? Does he take prescription medication? Can you get the medication? Where are you in the house? Is the front door locked?
How can you prepare for an emergency?

Though you can never anticipate a medical emergency, there are things you can do to prepare. Assemble a list to be placed beside your phone that includes emergency contacts, physician name and number, blood type, allergies, medical conditions and any prescription drugs you are taking. Also, make sure to have a home-based phone with its Enhanced 9-1-1 capabilities. Not does it offer peace of mind, but it speeds up response time when time is of the essence.

Writer

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