The Emergency Call

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:19

The emergency call

An emergency call should always be made as soon as possible. Anyone who comes to an emergency situation can make this call, it is the minimum that can be given for first aid. Also, if you are alone, shout out loud for help. Any other person can support you well with all measures.

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• more on the subject
• Advice, downloads & tools
• What are the most important Austrian emergency numbers?
• What information is important?
• What happens in the control center?
• The European emergency number 112

Note If you are alone as a first aider in an emergency situation, always perform the "emergency check" first. If you lie on your side if you are unconscious, you should first call the emergency number.

The emergency check includes checking breathing and consciousness and taking life-saving measures if necessary. More on the subject: first aid measures

What are the most important Austrian emergency numbers?

• Salvation 144
• Police 133
• Fire Department 122
• European emergency number 112 (applies in all EU countries)
• Deaf emergency call: By fax or SMS to 0800/133 133

Note All numbers can be reached free of charge from the Austrian landline and mobile phone network.

Other important telephone numbers:

• Poison Information Center 01/406 43 43
• Emergency doctor service 141
• Mountain rescue, alpine emergency number 140
• Water rescue: 130

For many people, an emergency is an exceptional situation in which the emergency call becomes a hurdle. For this reason, many rescue control centers around the world use the internationally proven "Priority Dispatch" system. It is characterized by a structured emergency call query based on a specified query protocol. Each person seeking help is guided through the interview by qualified people using given questions. The aim is to quickly receive the most important information (location, description of the situation, etc.) for alerting the emergency services and to reassure the caller.

In Austria, some rescue control centers work with the help of a query system that also includes first aid instructions on the phone. This system developed in the USA helps the first aider to carry out the measures correctly. For example, in the event of a cardiac arrest, first aid measures can be instructed over the phone. While the rescue is on the way, the person in the control center stays on the phone until the rescue team arrives.

What information is important?

When you call 911, take a deep breath beforehand and listen carefully to the person on the phone. Speak slowly and clearly. Many misunderstandings arise from unclear communication. Correctly answering the following questions asked by the employee of the rescue coordination center are very important for an efficient rescue chain.

These five W's are important

• WHERE is the emergency location? It is best to give an exact address. If this is not possible, the following useful information must be provided: Kilometers on expressways or motorways, nearby exits, direction of travel, prominent places: e.g. bridges, large roads, etc.
• WHAT happened? Briefly explain what it is: an accident, a sudden illness or discomfort, a bleeding wound, a fall, a brawl, etc.
• HOW MANY people are affected? This information is important because, in particular, accidents with many injuries require further organizational steps.
• WHO is calling? Always state your name and the telephone number at which you can be reached for questions.
• WAIT: Do not hang up until the person in the control center has no more questions and ends the call.

However, you do not need to remember these questions - they will be actively asked of you by an employee of a rescue coordination center!

What happens in the control center?

During the call, the dispatcher collects all information in the control center. For security reasons, every emergency call is recorded; the calling telephone number is usually visible to the dispatcher. The control center dispatcher organizes the rescue operation during the conversation. The measures differ depending on the severity and extent of the emergency. For example:

• Notification of the necessary rescue services (rescue workers): The vehicle with the shortest possible route is identified during the emergency call.
• Communication of special forces (fire brigade, executive, mountain rescue, psychologists, special units).
• Possibly first aid training on the phone.
• Entry into a recording system and documentation.
• Written directions are sent to the ambulance.

It should go without saying that the emergency call is reserved for emergencies only. However, since "joke calls" repeatedly led to senseless alarms, the improper use of the emergency call was made a criminal offense. According to the Emergency Signs Act, abuse can be punished with a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine of up to 360 daily rates.

The European emergency number 112

This emergency number was decided by the EU in 1991 and introduced in all EU countries. The number 112 is used not only in Europe but also in parts of South Africa, Israel, Zimbabwe and New Zealand. The European emergency number is the same in all European countries of the EU and also works with mobile phones. The aim of the Euronotruf is a Europe-wide simplification and multilingualism of the emergency call system. The model was the very well established North American-wide emergency number 911. This is the first point of contact for all emergencies and forwards to the relevant organizations such as fire brigade, rescue and police.

In Austria, the police and not an ambulance control center take the call, so it makes more sense to dial 144 in the event of a medical emergency in Austria.