First Aid 911 Booklet — Included Free with Download Purchase

What Happens After 911 Is Called?

It’s normal for anyone to feel nervous when calling for help, but knowing exactly what happens on the other side of the phone can help your scouts stay calm and collected. Here is the step-by-step breakdown of how a 911 call works:

1. The Call Connects to a Dispatcher: When you dial 911, your call goes to a local emergency dispatch center. A trained professional called an Emergency Dispatcher will answer and immediately ask: “911, what is your emergency and where is your location?”
2. They Ask Crucial Questions: The dispatcher’s job is to gather information as quickly as possible. They will ask questions like:
   • What happened?
   • Are you in danger right now?
   • Is the person awake and breathing?
3. Help is Sent Immediately: A common misconception is that help isn’t sent until the phone call ends. In reality, while one dispatcher is keeping you on the line to gather details, another dispatcher is already sending the police, fire trucks, or an ambulance to your location!
4. Staying on the Line: The dispatcher will stay on the phone with you until the first responders (like EMTs, firefighters, or police officers) arrive at the scene. They might even give you step-by-step first aid instructions to follow while you wait.

This is an excellent teaching tool for older scouts do with younger scouts.