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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 what to say on the call, use emergency mode.
Do this nowWhat to Say on the Call
Ambulance dispatchers can coach you through CPR, choking response, and childbirth. Fire dispatchers need to know about trapped people. Police need threat information. Clear communication saves time.
Follow these in order when you need this skill.
WHERE: exact location, landmarks, access points. WHAT: plain description of the emergency — "man collapsed," "kitchen fire," "child fell from tree."
One victim or multiple? Are others at risk? This determines how many units are sent.
Fire spreading, gas smell, weapons, traffic, unstable building, water rising — anything that threatens responders or bystanders.
Conscious or not? Breathing? Bleeding heavily? Chest pain? Seizure? Use what you see — not a diagnosis.
Your phone number and name. Stay available — they may call back.
They may guide you through CPR, bleeding control, or evacuation. Listen carefully. Put the phone on speaker if possible so your hands are free.
Things that can make the situation worse
Memorize the six elements: WHERE, WHAT, HOW MANY, DANGER, CONDITION, CALLBACK. Practice saying them in order in under 30 seconds.
Question 1
Which information helps dispatchers most in the first 10 seconds?
Answer: Location and nature of emergency. Location and a plain description of what happened allow dispatchers to send appropriate help immediately.
Question 2
The dispatcher asks if the person is breathing. You are not sure. What do you say?
Answer: Say you are not sure and describe what you observe. Honest observations — "not responding, gasping sounds, chest not moving" — are more useful than guesses.
Practice this skill for these emergency situations.
More skills in Call for help.