Sometimes, even if you're careful, you can't keep children from hurting themselves. In an emergency, you have to know who to call, what to say, and what to do. Keep a list of emergency numbers by your phone so you don't waste time looking for them. If you don't have a phone, find the one nearest you ahead of time and tell everyone in your family about it. In most places, you can dial 911 to get an ambulance, fire department, or police in an emergency. If there is no 911 service in your area, call one of the emergency numbers on the list by your phone or dial zero for the operator.

If you need to call for help, stay calm and tell the dispatcher your name, exactly where you are, and your phone number. Tell how the person is hurt and if the victim is wearing a medical emergency bracelet. Don't hang up until the dispatcher tells you to. If you're in a large building, hold an elevator for the emergency crew. If help doesn't come in five minutes, call again.