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The 911 (nine-one-one) system exists to provide rapid communication between the public and police, fire, and other emergency services in the community. You should be familiar with the system and the services provided. 911 service is now provided throughout California. The service is also provided in at least the population centers of all other states. Wherever you go, this system follows the same basic procedures.
With auto-patch available on many of the local repeaters, you have access to 911 from your vehicle or handheld radio throughout the repeater coverage area. If you are in other repeater ares, you may also find occasion to report emergency situations. The call you make could save a life or prevent a crime.
The first rule to remember when reporting any emergency via radio or telephone is to stay calm. The more familiar you are with proper procedures, the easier it will be to keep your head in a stressful situation. You may well be the only person who can provide fast communications with the needed emergency services. These are the times which call for a professional performance by a radio amateur.
If the repeater is occupied, wait for termination of the current transmimssion, then come on promptly with the following:
"BREAK BREAK FOR EMERGENCY PHONE-PATCH"
Normally, one of the parties will indicate they are standing by for you. In the event that you don't have phone-patch capability, ask for a station who can access 911 for you. It is best that you talk directly with the emergency service operator, rather than relaying through a third person.
Give your call sign followed by the words "EMERGENCY PHONE PATCH".
Dial 911, as you would any other number. All of the repeaters provide a speed-dialing function which can make this simpler.
If for any reason you are unable to get through via the phone-patch, seek assistance from a base station with telephone access. Ask them to call 911 and relay the information.
Don't talk until the emergency operator answers. When the operator responds, identify yourself as a Radio Amateur calling from your car or portable radio and state the location and nature of the emergency. For example:
"THIS IS JULIE SMITH ON THE RADIO REPORTING A BICYCLIST DOWN ON THE CORNER OF FIRST AND MAIN."
Wait for the operator to ask for other information. They have a proscribed procedure they must follow, and providing information at the wrong time can actually slow the process down! You may be connected with the responding agency based upon that information. Follow this procedure, even though you may be certain which agency will handle the incident.
When you are connected to the Highway Patrol, Sherriff, local police or fire department, identify yourself again and briefly and calmly describe the situation, location, and other pertinent data as requested.
Be sure to give the precise location. For example, "1 block west of Main Street on Highway 199.". Wherever possible, obtain the mile marker closest to your location. Being able to do this in an emergency takes practice; you should always try to practice noticing where you are as you're travelling in enough detail to quickly identify your location.
Give essential details - don't instruct the operator how the situation should be handled. These people are trained to provide the correct response, and have knowledge of the available resources. If you're asked for additional information, provide it to the best of your ability, even if you don't understand the necessity for it. It may be required to determine the optimum response, or ensure the validity of the report.
Always use good judgement when placing 911 calls. Keep cool, speak clearly, provide accurate information, and be coureous.
Considering the amount of boating activity in our area, you may sometime be in a position to help in relaying calls to the Coast Guard. These emergencies are also reported via 911. When you are connected with the Coast Guard, be prepared to provide the information they require to take action. The steps you'll follow are similar:
Other questions will likely include:
Always obtain as much information as possible prior to making the call. This will save valuable time.
Whether you find yourself at the scene of an accident involving hazardous materials or you are part of an ARES operation during such an incident, there are some important things to remember. During such events people are frequently injured due to a lack of knowledge or respect for what is invoved.
The US Department of Transportation is responsible for defining hazardous materials. They range from explosives and radioactive materials to poisons, flammable compressed gasses, corrosives and combustible materials. These materials are routinely transported over the highways, as well as by rail and air.
If you are the first person on the scene, call 911 and wait for competent personnel (police, fire, or others) to arrive and identify the materials involved. Be sure to observe proper safety precautions, including:
The following is a list of the most common items you may encounter.
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1005 |
Anhydrous ammonia |
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1062 |
Methyl bromide |
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1203 |
Gasoline |
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1971 |
CNG |
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1977 |
Liquid Nitrogen |
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1978 |
Propane |
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1993 |
Diesel Fuel |
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2187 |
Liquid Carbon Dioxide |
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9151 |
Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate |
Other compounds can be identified using a publication available from the Department of Transportation.
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