How to ask for help in an emergency? (Emergency Call Service) Let's talk about this!

There are times in our lives when we can't even imagine what to do at this moment. If something emergency happens when you least expect it, you have to think quickly and act, right? At such times, it is very important to know how to ask for help properly without panicking. So today, let's talk about these emergency call services and how to use them properly.

What is an emergency? When should we call these numbers?

Simply put, an emergency is a situation where someone is injured or in immediate danger of death , and immediate help is needed. Now, look, if these things happen, you should definitely call an emergency number:

• If there is a fire: If a fire starts in a house or anywhere else, it is a major danger. At that time, we should call 110 and inform the fire and emergency services.
• If someone faints: Imagine, if someone suddenly faints, it can be very serious. It could be a heart attack, or it could be another serious medical condition. In such a case, you should call the 1990 Suwaseriya Ambulance Service immediately.
• If someone suddenly becomes unsteady, unable to speak properly, has difficulty breathing, or turns blue: If they are showing these symptoms, it could be a stroke , a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), or a severe asthma attack . Don't waste time and call 1990 .
• If someone gets something stuck in their throat: If a small child gets a toy or piece of food stuck in their throat, it can be very dangerous. They may not be able to breathe. In such a situation, call the ambulance service and try to give first aid if possible.
• If you see a crime happening: For example, if you see a house being broken into, someone attacking someone, you should call the police emergency number 119 at that time and report the incident.
• If you are in a serious car accident or witness one: In a major car accident, there may be injuries. In that case, call 119 police and 1990 ambulance service immediately.

These are the things we call immediate help.What are the emergency numbers that we need to remember in Sri Lanka? The main emergency numbers that we need to remember are:

• 119 – Police Emergency Call Service
• 1990 – Suwaseriya (Free Ambulance Service)
• 110 – Fire and Emergency Services

Some mobile phones also have the emergency number 112 , which is often linked to the police. Also, in the event of a natural disaster, the 118 Disaster Management Center number is also important.

What happens when you call an emergency number? What do they ask?

When you call this emergency number, the person on the other end is an emergency operator . These people are trained to help you. They will ask you a few questions. You may feel scared and nervous. That's normal. Everyone gets a little nervous during an emergency. But try to stay as calm as possible. If you shout loudly or talk without breathing for a long time, it may be difficult for the operator to understand what you are saying. Here are some questions they will usually ask:

• "What's the emergency?" or "What happened?" : State the emergency situation you are facing clearly and briefly. For example, "There's a house fire," "Someone's unconscious in the street," "There's been a major accident."
• "Where are you?" or "Tell me your exact address/location?" : This is extremely important . If you don't tell me your exact location, it may be too late to help. You need to remember your home address. If you are somewhere else, give a nearby landmark, street name, or kilometer post. For example, "I am on the Kandy Road, about a kilometer after the Kiribathgoda junction, on the first narrow road."
• "Who needs help?" or "Who's with you?" : Asks for details about the person who needs help and the other people there.
• "How many people are injured ?"
• "Is the victim conscious? Is he breathing?"

Answer these questions as clearly as possible. It is important to answer every question they ask.

What if you are a small child?

Even if you are a small child, if you have to call an emergency number, don't be afraid . Those emergency operators are used to talking to small children like you. They will help you. As best you can, calmly explain the situation. Tell them your name, where you are (home address), and what happened. If you know your parents' phone numbers, tell them that too.

Keep these things in mind when making an emergency call:

When making an emergency call, it is very important to keep these things in mind:

• Don't hang up:Do not hang up the phone until the operator tells you, "Okay, hang up now." They may ask you more questions or tell you what to do until help arrives (for example, how to give first aid).
• Speak clearly and calmly: If you are nervous, you may not be able to understand what you are saying. Speak as slowly and clearly as possible.
• Tell us exactly where you are: This is the most important thing. Help will arrive faster if you tell us exactly where you are.
• Although we often remember our home address, it is very important to know the exact location if we encounter an emergency elsewhere.
• Say it clearly, like "I am at the bus stop near the Bo tree in Dehiwala, on Galle Road."
• Answer every question the operator asks: They are asking for information they need to help.
• Listen carefully to the instructions given by the operator and do as they are given.

Imagine, while playing, your friend suddenly falls and gets a serious injury, like a broken leg. You are the only one there. You wouldn't be afraid to call 1990 and say, "My friend fell and broke his leg, we are here on this playground," and answer the questions they ask, would your friend get help quickly?

Things you should never do when using emergency numbers

These emergency numbers are life-saving services, so it's not a good idea to play around with them.

• Never call these numbers just for fun or to see what happens: If you call an emergency number and take up an operator's time, you could be missing out on someone who is actually asking for help to save a life. How serious is that? Remember that calling emergency numbers just for fun is a punishable offense .
• Do not call these numbers for non-emergency matters: for example, to find directions, to ask about a light outage (unless it has caused an accident), or simply to get information. They have separate agencies and separate phone numbers.

Consider your own safety too!

It's great to help others in an emergency, but your own safety is also very important.

• Imagine, a house is on fire. Rather than sitting inside and calling 110 , it's better to get out of the house quickly, go to a safe place, and call.
• Also, if there is a big fight or crime going on and you are in danger, stay a little distance away and call 119 from a safe location.

Your life is also valuable. Only if you are safe can you help others and give an accurate account of the incident.

Should we prepare in advance for an emergency?

There's a saying that goes, "Misfortune strikes when we least expect it." So, it's a good idea to have a little preparation in advance for an emergency.

• Talk to everyone in the family: Especially to young children and the elderly at home, simply teach them about these emergency numbers (119, 1990, 110), when to call, and what to say when you call.
• Write down emergency numbers and call them in a visible place: Write down these numbers in a place where everyone can see them, such as near the home phone or on the kitchen wall. Also, `save` these numbers on everyone's mobile phones.
• Have children memorize their home address and parents' phone numbers: This is very important.
• Do a little role-playing: Just act out with your family members, "This is how you would talk if there was an emergency." Then they will be less afraid if something like that actually happens.
• If in doubt, speak up: You might wonder, "Is this really an emergency? Or am I just making them tired?"

If you're wondering, "Is this an emergency?" and there's no adult around to ask, the best thing to do is call the appropriate emergency number . Maybe that call you make could save someone's life! So don't be afraid to call when in doubt.

The most important things we need to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you've got your head around what we've talked about today. Let's go over the most important things again:

• Remember the emergency numbers in Sri Lanka: 119 (Police), 1990 (Ambulance), 110 ( Fire ). These can help save your life and the lives of others.
• Only call in a true emergency: Do not use these numbers for fun or for nothing.
• Give details calmly and clearly: It is essential to state exactly where you are.
• Listen to what the operator says, don't put the phone down until they finish.
• Think about your safety too: If there is danger, go to a safe place and talk.
• Inform your family: Especially teach your children about this.
• If in doubt, definitely call! Your call could make a big difference.

If you remember these things, you will be able to help yourself, your loved ones, and someone else in an emergency.

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