When to Call 911

Dial 911 in the event of an emergency from any wired or wireless phone. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate help from the police, fire department, or an ambulance (in Sacramento County all 911 ambulances are part of the fire department). Examples of emergencies include:
  • Fires
  • A crime, especially if the crime is in progress
  • A car crash, especially if someone is injured
  • A medical emergency such as someone who is unconscious, gasping for air or not breathing, experiencing chest pain, an allergic reaction, uncontrollable bleeding, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention
  • Any situation that poses an immediate threat to life, safety, property, or the environment

Use 911 only for emergencies; however, if you are not sure if the situation is truly an emergency, it is better to err on the side of caution and call 911. 

If you accidentally call 911, stay on the line and explain to the dispatcher what happened. 

EMS workers help someone on a stretcher.