Once you understand the situation, getting help moving is usually the single most important thing you can do.

When To Call 911

Call immediately if:

• Someone is unconscious, not breathing normally, or unresponsive
• There's uncontrolled bleeding, signs of a heart attack or stroke, or a severe allergic reaction
• There's a fire, explosion risk, or someone is trapped
• A crime or act of violence is in progress

What To Tell The Dispatcher

• Your location, as specific as possible (address, landmarks, floor or unit number)
• What happened and how many people are affected
• The condition of the person or people involved (conscious? breathing? bleeding?)
• Stay on the line. Dispatchers can guide you through CPR, bleeding control, and other steps in real time, even if you've never done them before.

If You Can't Call Yourself

• Point directly at one specific person and say "you, call 911" - a vague request to "someone call" often results in no one calling
• If you're alone and able to, put your phone on speaker so you can keep helping while you talk
• In many areas of Canada you can also text 911 if you're registered in advance or can't speak safely

A Few Other Numbers Worth Knowing

• Poison control: 1-844-764-7669 (Ontario) - for poisoning that isn't immediately life-threatening
• Your local non-emergency police line - for situations that need a police response but aren't in-progress emergencies

Calling for help isn't a small action while you wait to do something bigger. For most emergencies, it's the single most important thing you can do.