What is 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that will provide you with direct access to all emergency service providers in British Columbia including: Ambulance, Police, and Fire. 9-1-1 can be dialed from any telephone and without a coin when using a public telephone.
When should I call 9-1-1?
9-1-1 provides priority access to emergency services and should only be used when immediate response is required. Following are examples of when it is appropriate to call 9-1-1 for emergency medical care:
- When experiencing pains or tightness in the chest
- If a person is choking or having difficulty breathing
- When experiencing shortness of breath
- If you think you may have fractured/broken a bone, or have a wound that may need stitches
- When you have sudden, severe headaches, vision problems, sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, or dizziness
*If in doubt about whether you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
What can I expect when I call 9-1-1?
When contacting 9-1-1, callers should be prepared to answer questions, listen carefully, speak clearly and try to remain calm. BC Ambulance Service Emergency Medical Call-takers (EMCTs) are experienced 'question askers' and their persistence provides specific information to the attending paramedics. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, the EMCT will ask you for the following information:
- The location of the emergency (so we know where to send the ambulance)
- The apartment number and access code if applicable
- A telephone number (so we can contact you if the call is cut off)
- A description of what is happening
While the ambulance is travelling to the location, the EMCT will ask you some simple questions about the condition of the patient to help the paramedics understand the details of the situation. Some examples of the questions you may be asked are:
- Is the patient conscious?
- Is the patient breathing?
- Does the patient have chest pain?
- Is there any severe bleeding?
Please remember that EMCTs need to ask you specific questions in a specific order to help you as quickly and effectively as possible. Remain on the line to provide additional information if requested to do so by the EMCT.
What can I do to assist paramedics before they arrive?
- Clear a path to the patient (i.e. move furniture and unlock doors)
- If possible have someone wait outside to meet the ambulance
- Be sure your house number is clearly visible from the street
- If you live in a house, turn on the outside lights at night
- If you live in an apartment, try to meet the ambulance at the lobby door and have the elevator ready
- Do not move the patient, unless their life is threatened
