When calling 9-1-1, it’s important to keep calm. Although you may be frightened, take a moment to compose yourself so you can provide emergency dispatchers with vital information.

Once you have a dispatcher on the line, you’ll be asked to:

• Describe the problem
• Give the age of the patient (and weight if it is a child)
• Give the location where emergency personnel can find you
• Describe the condition of the patient:

  - Is the patient active or lethargic?
  - Is the patient’s skin pale, blanched, dusky, or bluish?
  - Is the patient struggling to breathe?
  - Is the patient breathing rapidly, slowly, or shallowly?
  

• If known, list any medications the patient is currently taking

In some states, the address where the phone call originates flashes on a screen at the 9-1-1 dispatch center. You may be asked to confirm this address or provide the address where you are calling from for the dispatcher.

Finally, do not hang up the phone until instructed to do so by the emergency dispatcher. Dispatchers are specially trained to assist you while waiting for an ambulance and may stay on the phone with you until emergency personnel arrive. By staying on the line, they can continue to gather information and monitor the situation as it develops.