DarlaJP Something happened on the way up the hill to my tree.
You never know when you may be the only person on the scene of an accident. I was on my daily hike and that’s what happened to me. Out of respect for the family I am not going to go into details. After speaking with many fireman, police officers, and the 2 dispatchers: Here’s what is important:
Take a CPR class if you can.
When talking to a 911 dispatcher they will need to know:
Your Name
Location, Nearest cross street or landmarks
What the problem is.
I can tell you right now, assessing the situation, calling for help, and calling 911 were on my radar because I’m a retired Occupational Therapist and have had many classes in CPR.
Here’s what I didn’t expect:
– I was at the beginning of a trailhead and not on a street so repeating to the dispatcher (several times) the names of the trails and the nearest landmarks is very important. Also, if your a hiker and their are two ways to access the trail, let the dispatcher know. Be specific, let them know if you are at the base of the trail or the top of the trail.
– If you get transferred, remember the people on route may not get a direct repeat of what you told the dispatcher, be patient, and be specific if you have to repeat information.
– And last but not least, let the person who is injured know someone is on the way. I had earbuds in so when the dispatcher would say “their on their way” I would repeat it so the person knew help was on the way.
I was shaking and grateful that 911 is easy to dial on a cell phone!!
