When seconds count, there’s no time to hesitate. In trauma situations the first 60 minutes is known as the Golden Hour (time from when the trauma occurs to the time the patient is delivered to advanced health care intervention). During a traumatic event, it can be easier to know when that Golden Hour starts, but in other circumstances when it's not as clear to see what's going on, seconds count.
But what about those instances where there is a need for medical assistance, that aren’t trauma related? You might be alarmed at the number of calls CRESA receives from loved ones or caregiver of someone who needs assistance, instead of the person that actually needs the help. It happened in my family, and I am certain you know of someone who called a family member or caregiver first instead of calling 9-1-1.
There could be many reasons why someone might hesitate calling 9-1-1, including denial, being too scared, not wanting to bother anyone, or worrying about the cost of medical personnel showing up at their home.
What does it cost to call 9-1-1?
If the concern is the potential cost involved by calling 9-1-1, there is no cost in calling 9-1-1 or for Law Enforcement and Fire Departments to respond if you need assistance. These services are all supported by local and state taxes we pay and provide these services to whomever may need them at any time.
AMR, the ambulance service provider in most of Clark County, also does not charge for just responding. The only cost involved is when services are provided. There is no charge for the initial evaluation.
Another way to help save time when seconds count, is Smart 911. Smart911 provides details that could impact response the second an emergency call is placed, which could be the difference between life and death.
What is Smart911?
Smart911 is a service that allows residents to create a free Safety Profile for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. Then, when anyone in that household dials 9-1-1, from a phone associated with their Safety Profile their profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker providing additional information that can be used to facilitate the proper response to the proper location.
How does Smart911 work?
With Smart911, you can provide 9-1-1 call takers and first responders critical information you want them to know in any kind of emergency.
When you call 9-1-1, your Smart911 Safety Profile displays on the 9-1-1 screen and the 9-1-1 call takers can view your addresses, medical information, home information, description of pets and vehicles, and emergency contacts. You can provide as much or as little information as you like.
Smart911 is a national service meaning your Smart911 Safety Profile travels with you and is visible to any participating 9-1-1 center nationwide.
Safety Profiles can include:
- People living in your household
- Phone numbers associated with your family
- Pets, service animals, and livestock
- Medical conditions and allergies
- Medications and medical equipment
- Property details, layout, and utility information
- Vehicle descriptions
- Emergency contacts
How Can I sign up?
You can sign up for Smart911 at Smart911.com and create a Safety Profile for your household to give 9-1-1 valuable information about yourself, family members, your home, pets and even vehicles that will display automatically on the 9-1-1 call takers’s screen when you make an emergency call. It’s private, and secure and you control what information is in your profile. These details can save seconds or even minutes during an emergency.
Types of Information You Can Enter into Smart911
- Medical Conditions
- Senior and Elderly Care
- General Emergencies
- Physical Disabilities or Special Needs
- Pets and Service Animals
The information in Smart911 goes beyond Clark County. Because Smart911 is a national service, your Smart911 Safety Profile travels with you and is visible to any participating 9-1-1 center nationwide.