Do you know when to call 911?

While safety is always top of mind for us at YYC, Emergency Preparedness Week gives us an opportunity to highlight how we work with partners on our campus, the City of Calgary, and the province, to ensure we are always prepared for anything, however unlikely it may be.

We’ll be sharing content to keep you on your toes, whether you’ve recently joined YYC or are a seasoned veteran, it is up to all of us to ensure we’re prepared. To start Emergency Preparedness Week off, we’re giving YYC Crew/Team YYC a refresher on When to call 911.  

At the airport, 911 is the number to call any time you have an EMERGENCY requiring an ambulance, the fire department, or police. Always call 911 when a life is at stake, it is the fastest way to get the help you need. In a true emergency:

1. Dial 911 and stay on the phone.

• If there is someone else with you, have that person call the Integrated Operations Centre (IOC) at 403-735-1300 (option 5), advise that 911 is being called and provide details.
• If you are by yourself, call the IOC once 911 advises you to hang up.

2. 911 does not know airport terminology – you must use plain language and be specific (Airside, Terminal, Level, Gate Pre-Security, Post-Security, etc.).
3. The IOC will coordinate the location emergency responders need to respond to as well as coordinate escorts.

Call 911 for the following emergencies:

1. Medical
2. Fire
3. Police

Call 911 for medical emergencies such as:

• Compromised airway or breathing
• Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
• Chest pains
• Change of consciousness
• Stroke symptoms

EMS medics in the airport can only be dispatched by calling 911. Alberta Health Services (AHS) always dispatches an ambulance and airport EMS medics when someone needs medical attention and transport to the hospital.

Call 911 for the fire department:

• Fires of any size. Even if the fire is small, it can spread quickly.
• Even if you have extinguished the fire. The fire department will ensure the fire is out.
• If you smell smoke or gas.
• For large fuel spills.

Call 911 for police:

• Imminent threats such as an active assailant or person with a weapon.

If you are unsure if 911 should be called, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.