911
Make the call now!
The first pass is to the designated player responsible for contacting 911 in case of a cardiac event while playing.
This player takes his cellphone to the bench every game. It is easy to do yet it is vital.
Calmly provide all information requested by 911 personnel. Advise 911 as to the best entrance to the facility. Meet emergency health services paramedics at the door. Guide them to the affected player. And remember - time is of the essence.
Stay with the 911 operator as long as required.
Provide any updates you can.
The first 911 call in North America happened in Alabama in 1957 on the AT&T network.
911 was chosen because it was not an area code represented in North America. Also 911 is easier to dial on an old rotary phone when compared to 999.
In Canada, the first use of 911 as an emergency call system was adopted in 1972. London Ontario was the first city to implement the 911 protocol. In Toronto, the first use of 911 came around 1982, in Ottawa 1988.
Today 911 is the emergency response system nationwide although there are a number of northern communities that still must use a one 800 number or a 10 digit number. Efforts are being made to rectify this.
NG911 is the new generation of 911 services in Canada. Ideally the new generation 911 will lesson wait times.
Today, most of us use cell phones, and we now have the butt call where calls are made mistakenly. If you happen to dial 911 in error, please stay on the line and let them know you made an error and there is no emergency. If you do not , 911 personnel will attempt to reach you and waste valuable time for a nonemergency.