A teachable moment for children doesn’t always come along on the drive to school. However, emergencies present themselves when you least expect them. It’s how I taught my kids about getting help by calling 911.
It was a good morning. We had plenty of time to get to school. We were about six blocks away and then … I drove by a man, sitting in the street, a hysterical woman by his side.
I looked at the time and pulled over. I turned on my hazards and walked over to the man. He had just been hit by a car, and the woman was the driver. I assessed the situation, asked him several important questions before I called 911.
The man was in good spirits even though I think his arm was broken. The driver, on the other hand, was having a full-on panic attack. She had gone back into her car, and I tried to comfort her while having her teenage daughter, who had been in her car with her, stand guard to make sure the man didn’t fall or get hit by another car.
Soon a fire engine arrived and I told the crew that it should send someone to look at the driver since she was in pretty bad shape. I wished the man good luck and headed off to school.
I told my kids what I did, and that the man was OK and safe now. The underlying lesson was this: If someone needs your help and you can provide that help, you should.
And then I explained to them what 911 is and how it works.
And we still got to school before the doors closed.
When should your child call 911?
Teach your child to call 911 when police, fire and/or medical personnel are needed quickly because of an emergency or immediate danger or threat. Remember that it is always “9-1-1” not “9-11” so younger children unfamiliar with making calls don’t look for an 11 button.
Your child should call 911 in case of emergencies, such as:
- a fire that’s out of control
- a crime, such as a break-in, mugging or shooting
- a serious car accident
- someone is seriously hurt, bleeding or unconscious
- someone choking or having trouble breathing
Reassure your children that the 911 operator and emergency personnel he or she sends are the “good guys.” They are trained to ask important questions and gather information as well as calm, reassure and instruct the caller. Children should try to be cool, clear and concise as possible when talking to them.
Questions 911 will often ask in emergencies
- What is your emergency?
- Where are you calling from (town, county, address, cross streets)?
- Is the victim male or female?
- What is the victim’s age?
- Is the victim breathing?
- Is there any bleeding?
- Is the person responsive (awake/alert) or unconscious?
- What is your phone number? (Needed so 911 can call back if you get disconnected.)
Photo by Ash H via Pexels.
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