April is National 9-1-1 Education Month! Established by the U.S. Congress in 2008 it shines the spotlight on the need to teach kids about calling 9-1-1. Do we need reminded about teaching kids about how to handle an emergency? Simple answer – yes. Maybe you’ve never given it much thought or you have questions yourself, so you haven’t spoken to your kids about it. Let’s go over a bit of information about what it is and some tips that can help prepare you and your kiddos.
First, define an emergency. Some of us may have trouble deciding whether it’s appropriate to call 9-1-1, so it makes sense that kids might pick up on this and struggle with it was well. Let’s be clear when speaking with them about what an emergency means. For example, a fire, a person who won’t wake up when you shake or yell at them, or an unwanted stranger in the house. Be sure to add that these are not things that happen every day and that they rarely happen at all, but that it’s important to be ready if they do happen. Next, explain what an emergency is not; for example, a lost pet or a cut that requires a bandage. These are important things to take care of, but they are not emergencies.
You’ll then need to explain what a 9-1-1 call is and how to make it. (Be sure not to refer to 9-1-1 as “nine eleven” in order to avoid confusion.) Begin with talking about responders, like police officers, fire fighters, and ambulance medics. Talk about how those jobs are all about helping others. Let them know that by calling 9-1-1, an operator will answer and send the right responder to assist your child in whatever their need might be. End by explaining that if a person calls 9-1-1 but doesn’t have a true emergency, it takes the helpers’ time away from someone who really does need help.
Lastly, go over the details of making a call and practice doing it. If possible, tell your child to call from a house phone rather than a cell phone. This allows the operator to trace the call to their exact location. And while children should begin to learn their address around age 4 (if not earlier), not all emergencies happen in the home. Tell them to listen very carefully to the operator and try their best to speak clearly and answer any questions the operator may ask.
Go over these typical questions your child will be asked during a 9-1-1 call:
- What happened?
- Where do you live?
- Who needs help?
- Why do they need help?
- Is there a grown-up around to help you?
- Is the grown-up breathing?
Help your child be prepared by having a list of important numbers handy and visible in the home.
Your cell phone number and your spouse’s (and any other adult living in the home).
Grandparents or close family members.
Doctor/pediatrician’s office.
Did you know that “Be Prepared” is the Girl Scout motto? As far back as the 1917 edition of the Handbook for Girl Scouts, girls were asked to write articles to share information about the spread of insect-borne diseases, learn how to use a fire alarm and be knowledgeable on other topics of public health and safety. This year, a local Girl Scout received a lifesaving award, the Girl Scout Medal of Honor, for saving her father’s life. She had taken first-aid training with her troop and when her father had a heart attack at home, she knew to call 9-1-1 and followed instructions to administer CPR. You can read about her amazing story on the Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast blog! (https://www.gsccc.org/en/discover/our-stories/2024/121224-girl-scout-vada-puts-cpr-skills-to-use.html)
Consider being better prepared and check out becoming a Girl Scout family. First-aid training opportunities are provided for girls and adults throughout the year! Register your daughter and consider taking the journey with her as a Girl Scout volunteer. Attend a free Discover Girl Scouts event near you to learn more. (https://www.gsccc.org/en/discover/discover-girl-scouts.html)
