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Everyone
remembers the television commercials from a few years ago when Mrs. Fletcher has
fallen, she presses her alarm pendant hanging around her neck and help is on the
way. Don’t you wish it were that easy when you fell from your
horse! Due to the location and
remoteness of most barns and equine facilities, calling for emergency help can
be a disaster if you are not familiar with what to do.
When
calling from home (if you live in an urban area), most of the time you just have
to dial 911 and when the operators answers you state the nature of the problem
and confirm your address. They may
choose to keep you on the line and give pre-arrival instructions or tell you
that help is on the way. Enhanced
911 makes this all possible by giving public safety agencies the technology to
have your address and phone number displayed on a screen in front of the
emergency operator (dispatcher) as soon as you place the call.
This saves valuable time.
If
you are in a rural area, the placement of the 911 call can be more difficult.
More information may have to be given as far as the address, directions
and location on the farm or property. Just
because help arrives at the address does not mean they know where you are 3
miles into the woods. Or, if
you are not familiar with where you are at a strange location, you may not be
able to give directions to the dispatcher.
Cellular phone technology is improving, but still can not specifically
tell the dispatcher your exact address.
Pre-planning
is always the key. Call 911 from
your barn and see who answers. This
insures that your 911 service is connected to right agency.
More than likely they will have you call back on a non-emergency number
to discuss the procedure. If you
are not connecting to the proper agency, assistance will be given to transfer
911 service to the proper agency. Ask
the dispatcher that you are talking with to tell you what information they need
in an emergency to facilitate the response.
Remember that they are the ones telling the emergency crews how to get
there, so their understanding of location is of paramount importance.
Remain
as calm as possible. Know the physical address of the property where you are
located. It may be easier to write
the address and simple directions on a card to keep with you or near the phone.
In a stressful emergency situation, you will be surprised what you may
forget. Hopefully, you can assign
someone to direct the responders to the location of the emergency once they
arrive on the property. Be prepared
to tell them as much information about the accident as you can. The more information obtained allows the dispatcher to
determine what type and how much help is needed.
A broken ankle and a cardiac arrest obviously do not get the same
response!
Stay
on the line until you are told to hang up.
You may be given instructions of emergency procedures to perform until
professional help arrives or you may be able to answer additional questions
regarding directions. Another good idea is to invite the local emergency crews out
for a tour of the property so that they are more familiar with the layout and
access. Be prepared and plan
ahead in case help is needed.
A
sample 911 call might go something like this:
911:
Anywhere 911, do you have an emergency?
Caller:
Yes, I have a young man that has fallen from a horse at 1234 Anywhere
Farm Rd.
911:
Ok, what type of injuries does the man have?
Caller:
It appears that he has broken his leg, but otherwise he looks good.
911:
Is he conscious and breathing?
Caller:
Yes, he is.
911:
Where on the farm is he?
Caller:
He is in a paddock near the barn. I
will have someone at the farm entrance to show you where he is.
911:
Ok, help is on the way and your address is 1234 Anywhere Farm Rd. and the
phone number is 555-5555, correct?
Caller:
That’s correct.
911:
While help is on the way, is there anyone with the victim that knows
first aid?
Caller:
A registered nurse friend is with him and holding him still.
911:
Help should arrive shortly. It
is o.k. to hang-up. Call us back if
his condition worsens.
Caller:
Thanks.
A
simple, short phone call has given the responders all the information they need
to send help. Usually, while you
are talking to an emergency dispatcher, another dispatcher is viewing the
information and sending help simultaneously.
Don’t think that while you are being questioned further that there is a
delay in sending emergency help. Cool,
calm communications with 911 can obtain help quickly and efficiently.
Remember to plan ahead, let the 911 staff lead the conversation and tell
you when to hang up. Please be safe.
Mrs.
Fletcher, help is on the way!
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