What is the third and final emergency action step?

The third and final emergency action step typically involves reporting the emergency. This crucial step ensures that appropriate external resources, such as emergency medical services (EMS), fire department, or law enforcement, are alerted and can respond to the situation.

Reporting the emergency usually involves calling the appropriate emergency number (like 911 in the US) and providing clear and concise information. Important information to relay includes:

  • Your location: This is the most critical piece of information, allowing responders to reach you quickly. Be as specific as possible.
  • The nature of the emergency: Briefly describe what happened. For example, "Someone is unconscious and not breathing" or "There is a fire in the building".
  • The number of victims: Provide an accurate count of how many people are injured or affected.
  • The condition of the victims: Briefly describe the injuries or state of the victims.
  • Your name and phone number: This allows the dispatcher to call you back if they need more information.

Remember to stay calm and speak clearly while providing information. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to. After calling for help, continue to provide care to the victim(s) to the best of your ability until professional help arrives.

Reporting the emergency is a critical link in the chain of survival.