You should aim to tell the operator the following information when making an emergency call.
Tip from the Team
During the Bronze Medallion examination of one of the writing team, the candidate was asked to list a minimum of 5 things which should be told to the operator. Do pay particular attention to this section, as it is often overlooked.
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- Always Say First: The phone number you are calling from, in case you get disconnected or they need to get into contact with you at a later stage.
- The Service(s) you require: Police / Ambulance / Fire Service.
- Your Name: You can find this on your birth certificate.
- Type of Casualty: Adult, Child or Baby.
- Male or Female Casualty: We think you can work this out for yourself.
- State of Casualty: Unconscious / Choking / Having an Asthma attack and doesn't have an inhaler / Fit / Almost Drowned / Bleeding Internally etc.
- Procedures you have performed: Put the casualty in the recovery position, for example.
- Where you are: Post codes are extremely helpful, but not often available. If not in a building, state nearby landmarks and the road name. When inside a building, you should say where in the building.
- Name of the Casualty: If you know it, you may also find it in a wallet. In addition, a wallet can contain medical instructions.
- Medical Alerts: The casualty may have a medical alert card in their wallet / purse, be wearing a bracelet or necklace which states allergies or diagnosed diseases etc.
- Other People around: Particularly other people who may be suffering from shock etc.
- People who may direct the ambulance: Try to get a bystander to wave to the ambulance to indicate where you are. If so, inform the operator of this fact.
Citation: Handley, A.J. (2006). Life Support: Basic Skills to Save Lives. Broom: Royal Life Saving Society (UK).
