There may come a moment in every person’s life when their actions determine someone else’s survival. Imagine you’re walking down the street and see someone collapse and become unresponsive. Or you witness a traffic accident where someone is trapped in a car. In such moments, every second counts, and your ability to correctly call for help can make all the difference. That’s why the emergency number 112 exists. Let’s go over how to handle such situations properly to ensure help arrives as quickly as possible.

When Should You Call 112?

The emergency service is meant for urgent situations where:

• Someone’s life or health is at risk (e.g., injuries, heart attack, unconsciousness, severe bleeding);
• Police assistance is needed (e.g., robbery, violence);
• Public safety is in danger (e.g., traffic accident, fire, chemical spill, natural disasters).

Example: You witness a neighborhood child falling from a tree and not moving. This is an obvious reason to call 112 for professional assistance.

If the situation is not urgent, it’s better to contact the relevant service directly or consult a doctor via a hotline.

Preparing for the Call

Before calling 112, make sure that:

1. You are in a safe place where you can be clearly heard.
2. You can describe the situation accurately.
3. You have basic information ready: location, the number of people injured, their condition.

Example: If you are in a park and see a victim, say, “I’m in Kadriorg Park near the main pavilion. There’s a man who’s unconscious, and there’s a lot of blood around him,” rather than just, “I’m in a park.”

How to Communicate with the Dispatcher

Emergency dispatchers are trained to respond quickly to a variety of situations. However, the quality of help depends on your ability to provide information. Here are some tips:

1. Stay calm. Dispatchers understand you may be stressed, but clear and calm communication speeds up the process.
2. State your location. Provide the address, landmarks, or GPS coordinates.
3. Describe the situation. Answer the dispatcher’s questions:
   • What happened?
   • Who is injured?
   • Is there a danger to others?
4. Follow instructions. Dispatchers may give you instructions, such as how to provide first aid until professionals arrive.

Example dialogue:

• Dispatcher: “Emergency services 112, how can I help?”
• You: “I’m on Tartu Road, house 25. A man is unconscious and not breathing.”
• Dispatcher: “Start chest compressions. Emergency help is on the way.”

Who Should Describe the Situation?

If you’re a witness, your role is to relay objective information. Share what you see and avoid assumptions. For instance, instead of saying, “I think he broke his arm,” say, “The person is holding their arm, and there’s visible deformity.”

If the victim is conscious, let them describe their condition to the dispatcher. This is especially crucial for chest pain, breathing difficulties, or severe allergic reactions.

After the Call

The dispatcher may ask you to stay on the line. Don’t hang up until the dispatcher explicitly allows it. After the call, ensure the area is accessible for emergency services.

Example: If you called an ambulance to the site of an accident, organize vehicles to clear the way and ensure bystanders do not obstruct emergency personnel.

Why Is Properly Calling 112 Important?

Every second matters. The faster and more accurately the dispatcher receives information, the quicker emergency services can arrive and provide assistance. Incorrect or vague descriptions can delay or reduce the effectiveness of the help.

Example: Instead of saying, “I’m near a yellow house,” specify, “I’m at the corner of Pärnu Road and Veerenni Street.” This helps save time.

Remember to call 112 only in genuine emergencies. Misusing the number diverts resources away from those who truly need them.

Conclusion

Mastering the skill of clear communication with emergency dispatchers is a vital part of safety awareness. To feel confident in any situation, practice ahead of time. Remember: staying calm, being clear, and staying consistent are the keys to effective communication with emergency services via 112.