Many people ask what they can do to call for help.  There is no reason to be afraid or apprehensive about calling for help.  It is very likely that your call will, in fact, either save a person's life or at least make sure that they receive help in a timely manner.  The following information is courtesy of the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services.

• D    DON'T GUESS -- CALL EMS
          - Emergency numbers are on the inside cover of the phone book.
          - Try 9-1-1 or dial "0" for an operator, if you don't know the local number.
          - Know your local emergency number.
• I      INFORM
          - STAY CALM. Speak slowly and clearly.
          - Tell the dispatcher the exact nature of the emergency.
          - Give the exact location. Provide street/highway names or numbers, landmarks or highway mileage markers.
          - Give your name and the number of the phone from which you are calling.
• A     ANSWER
          - After a traffic crash, be able to answer the following questions:
            1. How many vehicles are involved?
            2. Are people injured? How many? How severely?
            3. Are victims trapped?
            4. Is there danger from fire or downed wires?
          - Answer any other questions asked by the dispatcher.
• L      LISTEN
          - Listen carefully to any special instructions given by the dispatcher.
          - DO NOT HANG UP. Wait for the dispatcher to tell you to do so.
          - Return to the scene until EMS arrives.

If you are at the scene of a traffic crash or motor vehicle accident, rememer  S.O.S.

• S    STOP
          - Pull off the road - Stop at least five car lengths beyond the crash.
          - TURN ON YOUR FOUR-WAY FLASHERS.
          - BEWARE ON ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
• O     OBSERVE
          - Note the EXACT location of the crash: highway/street names, landmarks, mileage markers.
          - SIZE-UP THE SCENE:
             - How many vehicles are involved?
             - Are people injured? How many? How severely? Are they trapped?
             - Are there any signs of fire or downed wires?
          - GET HELP.  When the next car stops, tell them what you have observed and ask them to call EMS.  Have others warn oncoming traffic.
• S      STAY
          - Do not leave the scene until EMS arrives.
          - DO NOT MOVE THE INJURED - Move only if there is immediate danger of fire or further injury.
          - STOP SEVERE BLEEDING - Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.
          - CALM THE VICTIMS - Let them know that help is on the way.
          - PREVENT A FIRE - Turn off the ignition of wrecked vehicles. Keep smokers away.
          - NEVER TRANSPORT VICTIMS BY CAR.
          - HELP EMS - Tell them what you have observed and done.  Then let the pros take over.