In many cases the most helpful thing a person can do after contacting first responders is to be a good witness. Providing accurate and timely information to first responders is often critical for affording them information essential to direct their response quickly and effectively.
1. Evaluate immediate threats to both yourself and others
2. Contact law enforcement as soon as you can safely do so
For emergencies CALL 911 (or the local law enforcement emergency line if there is no 911)
Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Brief description of what happened
- When and where event(s) occured ( date, time and location )
- Description of injuries or other safety concerns ( weapons, dangerous animals, etc)
- Number of suspects involved
GETTING THE DETAILS of …
- Suspect(s) ( gender/race/hair/approximate age/clothing/weapons?/method and direction of travel)
- Vehicles ( license plate, color, make, model or type, unique details/direction of travel)
- Animals ( species/color/number/injured?/dangerous?/direction of travel)