Emergency Safety

Know What to Do When an Emergency Happens 

In an emergency, knowing what to do can make a real difference. We’ve put together important information and simple steps to help you respond quickly, stay calm, and protect yourself and others until help arrives.

Take a few minutes to learn what to do in common emergencies, how to prepare your family, and when to call 911. Having the right information before an emergency happens can help you make better decisions when every second counts.

Heart Attack Symptoms

CHEST DISCOMFORT 

Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY

Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

With or without chest discomfort 

OTHER SIGNS

May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Stroke Symptoms

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.

FACE DROOPING

Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

ARM WEAKNESS 

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? 

SPEECH DIFFICULTY

Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

TIME TO CALL 911

If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

In an Emergency, Call 911 First

Every second counts during a medical emergency. Calling 911 ensures help can be dispatched as quickly as possible.

  • Call 911 immediately. Don't delay care by calling the EMS station directly or contacting someone you know.
  • Know your location. Provide your exact address or location so responders can find you quickly.
  • Describe the emergency. Tell the dispatcher what happened and what kind of help is needed.
  • Follow instructions. Stay on the line and follow the dispatcher's directions until help arrives.
  • Stay calm. Clear information helps dispatchers send the right resources and guide you through the emergency.

Your call could save a life. When an emergency happens, call 911 first and let trained professionals get help on the way. 

Help Us Find You When Every Second Counts

When you call 911, every second matters. Help our EMS team find you quickly by following these simple steps:

  • Know your location. Provide your exact street address, apartment number, or nearest intersection.
  • Make your address visible. Keep house numbers clearly marked and easy to see from the road.
  • Share nearby landmarks. Mention recognizable buildings, signs, or other landmarks that can help responders locate you.
  • Turn on outside lights. If it is safe to do so, make your home or location easier to see.
  • Follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Stay on the line, answer questions clearly, and do not hang up until instructed.

Clear information helps us find you faster and get you the help you need.