09/09/2026
By Peter Lennon
When emergency responders arrive on the scene, one of the most valuable resources they have is information from the people already there. If you have called 9-1-1, make every effort to identify yourself to arriving responders and provide a brief, accurate update on the situation.
Information such as what happened, where the incident is located, whether anyone is injured and any hazards that may be present can help responders quickly assess the situation and take appropriate action. Your firsthand observations can improve responder safety, reduce response time and help ensure the right resources are deployed to effectively manage the emergency. Staying available until responders have gathered the information they need can make a significant difference in the outcome of an incident.