Call 911. Attempt to answer the following questions:

• What is the person's problem or the type of incident? (i.e. "Can you tell me what exactly happened?")
• What is the individuals approximate age?
• Is he or she conscious?
• Is he or she breathing?

Knowing when to call and what to expect when you phone 9-1-1 can help reduce fear and helplessness in an emergency. When calling 9-1-1, keep in mind that the most important thing you can do is to listen carefully and do exactly what the dispatcher asks you to do. Emergency service professionals are normally always available to assist you through times of crisis, confusion and distress. Let them be your lifeline.

It is highly recommended that you take a certified course in CPR and first aid. Even when highly trained dispatchers (EMDs) and EMS professionals are readily accessible in the community, prompt and properly administered first aid care still can mean the difference between life and death, rapid vs. prolonged recovery, and temporary vs. permanent disability. These courses are available through authorized American Safety and Health Institute Training Centers and other nationally recognized organizations.