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When to Call 911 (and What to Say)

Clear signs that mean call 911 now, from the Red Cross, CDC, and 911.gov, plus what the call-taker will ask and how to teach kids to call.

5 min read · Crew role: Sawbones · Shelf: First Aid

Not medical advice. When in doubt, call 911. This page is a summary of public guidance from 911.gov, the Red Cross, the CDC, and Mayo Clinic; it doesn't cover every emergency.

What it's for

In a bad moment, people hesitate: "Is this a 911 thing?" 911.gov's definition is simple: an emergency is any situation that needs immediate help from police, the fire department, or an ambulance. This page lists the clear signs, so the Sawbones (and everyone else) can call fast and stop second-guessing.

Before you need it (practice)

  • Post your address by the phone and in the planning binder. The first thing 911 asks is where you are.
  • Teach the kids. 911.gov says even very young children can learn when and how to call 911, and when not to. Its "911 for Kids" materials include a printable emergency numbers sheet for the fridge.
  • Old phones count. 911.gov notes any wireless phone can call 911, even without service, but the center can't see the caller's location or call back. Don't hand kids old phones as toys without taking the battery out.
  • Write Poison Help on the card: 1-800-222-1222 (CDC).

Step by step

Call 911 right away for these

Breathing and responsiveness (Red Cross, 911.gov):

  • Not responding, or responds but isn't fully awake
  • Not breathing, or only gasping; trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • New confusion, or can't be woken
  • Bluish lips or face

Heart (911.gov):

  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

Stroke: B.E. F.A.S.T. (CDC):

  • Balance loss, Eye or vision changes, Face drooping on one side, Arm drifting down, Speech slurred or strange, Time to call 911.
  • CDC also lists sudden numbness or weakness on one side, sudden confusion, and a sudden severe headache with no known cause. Note the time symptoms started.
  • The CDC says don't drive to the hospital or let someone drive you; call 911 for an ambulance.

Bleeding (Red Cross):

  • Blood flowing continuously or spurting
  • Blood loss of about half a soda can (less in a small child)
  • Signs of shock: rapid weak pulse, rapid breathing, pale or cool moist skin, excessive thirst

Burns (Red Cross): deep burns; burns to the face, hands, feet, joints, or groin; burns that wrap around a limb, chest, or neck; electrical or chemical burns; burns on the very young or elderly. See Burns: Basic First Aid.

Fire, crime, or danger to life: fire, smoke, someone trapped, or a crime in progress (911.gov's police, fire, or ambulance test).

Possible poisoning

If you think a child got into a medicine, even if you're not sure, the CDC says call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. If the person has trouble breathing or won't wake, that's a 911 call (see the breathing signs above).

Making the call (911.gov)

  1. Give the location first, including the street address and apartment or room number.
  2. Give the phone number you're calling from.
  3. Say what happened and describe injuries or symptoms.
  4. Follow instructions. 911.gov says many centers can coach you through first aid or CPR until help arrives.
  5. Don't hang up until the call-taker tells you to.

If you can't talk

911.gov says it's always best to call, but text 911 if you can't call and your area accepts texts. If it doesn't, you should get a bounce-back message right away.

If you dial by mistake

Don't hang up (911.gov). Stay on and explain, so they don't send responders to check on you.

Common mistakes

  • Driving someone with stroke signs to the ER yourself. CDC: call 911.
  • Hanging up early, or hanging up after a mistaken dial.
  • Not knowing your address at the cabin, a rental, or a campground. Write it down when you arrive.
  • Calling 911 for information. For shelters, evacuations, and resources, call 211 (SAMHSA). For non-emergencies, use your local non-emergency number (911.gov).

Care & storage

  • Keep a card with your address, Poison Help, and family contacts by every phone and in each go-bag.
  • Put a contact card on each child (see Packing a Kids' Go-Bag).
  • Review this page at each kit rotation.

Related gear

Sources

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