Health / Unit 8: Safety and First Aid
8.3 Emergency Response and When to Call 911
Notes
An emergency is a situation that threatens life, health or safety. In the U.S. call 911.
- Call 911 for: someone unconscious or not breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, serious burns, choking that doesn't clear, seizure, suspected overdose or poisoning, serious injuries, fire or a crime in progress.
- When you call: stay calm, give your location, say what happened, give your name and number and follow instructions. Do not hang up until the operator says so.
- Before helping, check that the scene is safe. Do not become a second victim.
- Never call 911 as a prank. Use it only for real emergencies.
- For poisoning that is not life-threatening, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) can help.
- Teach younger siblings your address and how to call for help.
Practice
Which situation requires calling 911?
Unconsciousness and no breathing are life-threatening.
What should a caller do first when the 911 operator answers?
The operator needs your location and the emergency.
A teen sees a car crash with smoke from the engine. What should they do before approaching?
Safety first, then call for help.
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