Overview
An Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) system that ensures prompt and
effective
 emergency medical services to victims of motor
vehicle collisions is an essential component of the Fairview
Fire Department's plan to reduce the number of deaths and
injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions.
Current research and the experience of emergency physicians,
trauma specialists and other EMS providers recognize that
trauma patient outcomes are best when patients are
identified, transported and cared for at a medical facility
within the “critical hour.” The “critical hour” has become a
standard used to measure the effectiveness of many
components of EMS. So it is important to take
immediate action to contact 911 if you see or a involved an
auto accident.
When to call
As with any life-threatening emergency, call 911 as quickly
as you are able. If it is possible use a land line rather
than a cell phone. However, your cell phone is one of
the greatest tools you can own to protect yourself and your
family in a dangerous automobile accident - with your phone
at your side, help is only three numbers away.
What
to do
In the event of a automobile accident
you should quickly call 911. Calling 911 is very
 stressful
and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. 911 call-takers are
trained to guide callers through the experience, but knowing
what to expect can help make the 911 call go smoothly and
get emergency help where and when it's needed. The 911 operator will ask you
the appropriate questions to allow them to route the call in
the most appropriate manner and to assign the most
appropriate type of response (equipment and personnel).
Location, Location, Location
When you call 911 from a cell phone, the call often lands in
a regional center. To get help to you, there are three
pieces of information the call-taker needs to know
immediately:
- Start by telling the
call-taker what kind of emergency you have.
- Tell the call-taker
which city you're calling from.
- Tell the call-taker
what type of emergency you have.
- Keep your eyes open.
You may be asked to describe victims, suspects,
vehicles, or other parts of the scene.
Stay calm. It's
important to take a deep breath and not get excited. Any
situation that requires 911 is, by definition, an
emergency. The dispatcher or call-taker knows that and
will try to move things along quickly, but under
control.
What we
do
After receiving notification from the 911
 dispatcher the FFPD will represent the first responder on the scene with an
average arrival time of about five minutes. This type of
call typically represents an emergency medical response. In
these cases our EMTs will assess the situation and stabilize
the injured party until an ambulance can arrive.
What
NOT to do.
Many people who make the 911 call hang up on the operator
prematurely not allowing the operator to get all of their
questions answered. This is typically because at the moment
of the call the caller is upset, concerned or possibly in a
panic. It's very important that the 911 operator the able to
collect all of the information they need in order to
effectively route and dispatch the appropriate response. So
stay on the telephone until help arrives or you're told that
it's no longer necessary.
If you would like to more information about our auto
accident and rescue services
contact us online or by calling 510-583-4900. |
