WHY EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY

When do you call 911? If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, such as a heart attack, stroke, or car accident, then the answer is clear. But what about other situations? When is it appropriate to call 911, and when should you seek help from a non-emergency number or service?

When to Call 911

In general, you should call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. This includes:

• Chest pain


• Shortness of breath


• Stroke symptoms, such as sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, or vision problems


• Severe bleeding


• Head injury


• Poisoning


• Overdose


• Mental health crisis


• Natural disaster


• House fire


• Car accident

When Not to Call 911

There are some situations in which calling 911 is not appropriate. These include:

• When you have a non-emergency medical condition, such as a cold or flu


• When you need a ride to the doctor or hospital


• When you have a question about your medical care


• When you need to report a crime that is not in progress


• When you need to ask for directions

What to Do in a Non-Emergency Situation

If you are experiencing a non-emergency medical condition, you should call your doctor or go to an urgent care clinic. If you need a ride to the doctor or hospital, you can call a taxi or ride-sharing service. If you have a question about your medical care, you can call your doctor's office or the hospital where you received care. If you need to report a crime that is not in progress, you can call the non-emergency number for your local police department. If you need to ask for directions, you can use a GPS device or map app.

Why It's Important to Only Call 911 for Emergencies

When you call 911 for a non-emergency, you are taking away resources from people who are experiencing real emergencies. This can lead to delays in response times, which can be life-threatening. In addition, calling 911 for a non-emergency can tie up emergency dispatchers, making it more difficult for them to answer calls from people who are in real need.

Conclusion

Remember, 911 is for emergencies only. If you are experiencing a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, call 911. Otherwise, use a non-emergency number or service. By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that everyone who needs emergency help can get it quickly and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What is the difference between 911 and the non-emergency number for my local police department?


2. A: 911 is for emergencies only. The non-emergency number is for reporting crimes that are not in progress, asking for directions, or getting information about police services.
   
3. Q: What should I do if I’m not sure whether or not to call 911?


4. A: If you are experiencing a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, call 911. Otherwise, use a non-emergency number or service.
   
5. Q: What are some examples of non-emergency situations?


6. A: Non-emergency situations include colds, flu, minor injuries, and questions about medical care.
   
7. Q: How can I get a ride to the doctor or hospital if I don’t have a car?


8. A: You can call a taxi or ride-sharing service.
   
9. Q: What should I do if I need to report a crime that is not in progress?


10. A: You can call the non-emergency number for your local police department.