Top 10 tips to think about before you call 911

Summary: If you’ve called 911, it can be daunting. Here are some reminders before you dial.

Know your options before you call.

Have a headache? Need a band aid? Want your blood pressure checked?

Don’t call 9-1-1.

Excessive bleeding? Chest pains? Change of consciousness or breathing issues?

Call 9-1-1.

Consider these tips when calling 911:

1. Do I need an ambulance for myself or for another person? When the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) medics in the airport are dispatched, they are the same as an ambulance. In fact, an ambulance is also dispatched should a transport to hospital be required. 
2. Dial 9 before 9-1-1: Using an internal phone? Press 9 to connect.
3. Know your location: The most important piece of information is the address and location of the emergency.
4. Use plain language: 911 does not know airport terminology like DTB or ITB.
5. Be specific: Airside, terminal, level, gate, pre-security, post-security
6. Do not provide routing to your location: That’s the Integrated Operations Centre’s (IOC) job.
7. Stay on location: It’s best to call 911 from the scene.
8. Don’t hang up if you misdialed: Stay on the line and explain it was a mistake, otherwise CPS will be dispatched
9. Call the IOC: (403) 735-1300 option 5 and inform the dispatcher that you made a call to 911 or direct another person to call the IOC if you’re on the line with 911.
10. Other resources onsite: See your company’s first aid attendant, visit or call Sandstone Pharmacy in-terminal, Urgent Care Facility or dial 811 for Alberta Health Link.

Calgary Airport Authority contracts AHS EMS to provide one Advance Life Support Medic onsite between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven day per week. We are also supported by The Air Medical Crew (Air Ambulance); a 24x7 service. The Air Medical Crew provides the fixed-wing ambulance services throughout the province and they fly out of the Million Air Hangar. When the Air Medical Crew is not flying, they may also respond to medical calls at the Airport when available. Their ‘home’ when they are not flying, is in the EMS Office located in the Domestic Terminal Building. And as a reminder, the medics at the Airport are only dispatched via 911.

Note: Patients are charged for fees as soon as AHS EMS starts assessing you. If you are transported via ambulance, the cost of the bill is higher. And there’s a different fee for international travellers. Check your medical insurance plans for coverage.

For more information, visit: AHS website.  Should we link to: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/ems/ems.aspx