The 9-1-1 Emergency System makes an important difference in our community everyday. It is your first source of help in times of crisis, and it can mean the difference between life and death. When used properly, 9-1-1 saves seconds, which can save lives.

Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency only. If an emergency situation (a crime, fire, serious injury or illness) arises, ask yourself whether police, fire department, or medical assistance is needed right now to protect life or property. If the answer is "yes", then immediately dial 9-1-1 and advise the EMS operator of what has happened or is happening.

If you are not sure whether or not the situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the emergency operator make that determination. Always call 9-1-1 to report a fire, report a possible medical emergency, or to report a crime in progress.

When dialing 9-1-1, observe the following tips:

• Stay calm. Give the operator your name, location, and nature of the emergency.
• Listen carefully to the emergency operator.
• Answer the operator's questions as accurately as possible. Speak clearly and slowly.
• Do exactly as the emergency operator tells you during the course of the call.
• Never hang up on the emergency operator until you are told to do so.

When you call Brunswick County 9-1-1 to report a medical emergency, remain calm and be prepared to answer the following questions:

• Where is your emergency (the exact location)?
• What is the phone number you are calling from?
• What's the problem (describe exactly what happened)?
• How many people are hurt/injured?
• How old is the patient?
• Is s/he conscious?
• Is s/he breathing?
• Is the patient male or female?

Following these tips could save valuable time.

• Purchase a touch-tone phone with large, easy-to-read numbers.
• Program a "memory" button on your phone (if your equipment is so equiped) with 9-1-1.
• Do not rely on dialing "0". You might be connect to an operator far away.
• Dial 9-1-1 even if you are unable to speak. Simply leave the phone receiver off the hook. Do not hang up. The emergency phone system automatically receives your location, and emergency assistance will be dispatched.
• Keep your medical history -- including all medications that you take and those to which you are allergic -- and your doctor's phone number near the phone for reference.
• In addition, put that same written information in an envelope (with doctor's phone number clearly marked on outside of envelope) and tape it to the front of your refrigerator. As standard procedure, Emergency Medical Services technicians will look there for information about your medical history.