"It's critical that children know that when they need help, 9-1-1 is the number to call. We know it can seem pretty scary when you're young and feeling frightened, but we're here to help."
— Mary, E-Comm 9-1-1 call-taker and Burnaby resident
It was a beautiful summer day. Most of the folks on our block were out in their yards.
Suddenly we became aware that there was unusual activity up the street. Our neighbour Jack was lying on the ground and his son and wife were by his side. Then an ambulance arrived.
We later learned that his eight-year-old son Ritchie was with him when he injured himself. He immediately went to the phone and called 9-1-1. He was able to give the dispatcher his name, his father's name and address and the details of the injury. The emergency services staff later commented that because of his swift actions his dad got the treatment he needed as quickly as possible.
His parents were astounded but Ritchie later explained that a paramedic had visited the school and talked to the kids about what to do in case of an emergency. Because of that, instead of panicking, Ritchie knew exactly what to do.
You can count on the fact that all the parents on the block spoke to their kids that evening about how and when to call 9-1-1. According to E-Comm, during an emergency, 9-1-1 is a critical lifeline that connects those in need with first responders, and children who know how and when to call 9-1-1 can save lives. This year, as part of Emergency Service Dispatchers' and 9-1-1 Awareness Week
(April 12-18), E-Comm call-takers and dispatchers were reaching out to parents and caregivers, urging them to take time to teach their children about 9-1-1. It could be one of the most important lessons they'll ever learn.
"It's heartbreaking when you get a 9-1-1 call from a young child who is scared, hurt or needs help for a loved one," says Jennifer, one of E-Comm's 9-1-1 call-takers. "You never know when they might need to reach out for help; that's why it's so important for kids to learn at an early age what to do in an emergency."
As a parent of three young children, Jennifer says role playing really helps to teach her kids about when to call 9-1-1. "I want to make sure they know how to get help if they ever find themselves in a situation where they need to call 9-1-1," she adds.
Show your children how to dial 9-1-1 on both landlines and cells and explain in age-appropriate language when they should make the call.
They should call if someone is really sick or hurt, if they can't waken their mommy or daddy, if he sees or smells smoke or fire or if he sees someone doing something bad like hurting someone or stealing.
Because we so often use wireless and mobile phones it can sometimes be hard to find them. Make sure you keep the phones charged and have them in places where the children can easily reach and use them. As soon as they are capable, kids should know their full name, the names of their parents and their address.
Jason, an E-Comm police dispatcher and resident of Maple Ridge says you should also let your kids know they will be answering a number of questions and they should try to stay calm during the 9-1-1 call. They will be asked to stay on the phone until the police or ambulance personnel arrive. If they can stay calm and talk to the dispatcher on the phone and follow instructions they will find they are doing the very best they can to help the situation.
As soon as they make the call, they are no longer alone with the problem.
When you teach your children how to respond in an emergency you are not only giving them a tool they can use if necessary. You are also letting them know that if something does happen, they can help.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author. Read more at parentingtoday.ca.
