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DRAFT — NOT FOR PUBLIC EMERGENCY USE
Draft content aligned with ILCOR/AHA resuscitation guidelines, IFRC/Red Cross first aid guidance, WHO emergency care principles, and NFPA fire safety standards. Requires expert review before publication.
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If someone needs immediate help with calling for help, use emergency mode.
Do this nowCalling for Help
Ambulances, fire crews, and police carry equipment and training civilians do not have. Every minute of delay can matter in cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, fire, or stroke. A clear call helps dispatchers send the right help to the right place.
Follow these in order when you need this skill.
Save emergency numbers in your phone and teach them to family members. In India: 112 (unified emergency), 108 (ambulance in many states), 100 (police), 101 (fire). If unsure, dial 112.
Move away from immediate danger — fire, traffic, gas smell, or unstable structures — before you call. If you cannot move the injured person, call from where you are safe.
Call the appropriate number. Stay calm. The operator may keep you on the line and give instructions. Do not hang up until told to do so.
State WHERE you are: full address, nearby landmark, building name, floor, or road marker. If you do not know the address, describe what you see.
Say WHAT happened in plain words: "A person collapsed," "There is a fire in the kitchen," "Someone was in a road accident." You do not need medical terms.
They may ask HOW MANY people are hurt, whether there is ongoing DANGER, and the person's CONDITION (breathing, bleeding, conscious). Follow their instructions.
Give a phone number where you can be reached if the line drops. Send someone to meet responders at the street if access is difficult.
Things that can make the situation worse
With your household, role-play one emergency call. One person plays the operator; another gives location, what happened, and how many people need help. Time how long it takes to say the essentials clearly.
Question 1
What should you tell the emergency operator first?
Answer: Your location. Location comes first so responders can find you. Name and hospital choice are not the priority in the first seconds of the call.
Question 2
Someone collapses in a busy market. You are not sure anyone called for help. What do you do?
Answer: Call emergency services yourself. If you are unsure help is on the way, call. Do not assume someone else has already done it.
Practice this skill for these emergency situations.
More skills in Call for help.