When to Call 9-1-1
When preparing for an emergency situation that you may need to call 9-1-1, please consider the following:
Before an emergency strikes!
- Learn CPR and first aid - you never know when you may need it!
- Keep a first aid kit at home, the cottage, your car and place of business.
- Attempt to have all information including details of medical event, medication and health history
- If you have a medical condition or regularly take medications please keep a list handy to provide to paramedics upon arrival. Here is a sample form that can be used.
Getting ready to call 9-1-1?
- Where possible, have all vehicles moved from the driveway or access points and turn on outside lights.
- Unlock, open the door, and clear a path to the patient both inside and outside of location
- If possible send someone outside to flag down the emergency responders, or turn on an outside light
- If possible, put pets away, even if friendly.
When calling 9-1-1 the dispatcher will ask a series of questions including the type of emergency, what happened, how it happened and any other important information. They also require the location, and any distinctive landmarks or entrances to speed up emergency personnel access.
What should I do if I am alone?
If you are by yourself and confronted with a medical emergency, do not delay your 9-1-1 call! It is important to get the wheels rolling on the ambulance towards your location. If you have a cordless phone or cell phone please use it to allow you to care for the victim while calling 9-1-1.
Is your urgency an emergency?
Peterborough County/City Paramedics are being challenged by a continually increasing number of service requests. Approximately 20% (do we know where this stat is from) of people who call 911 do so for a non-urgent illness or injury which could be better managed by other health care providers. When paramedics are responding to these non-urgent conditions, it can delay the response to urgent, life-threatening situations.
We encourage our residents to consider the other treatment options available and to make the call that best meets their needs.
For minor ailments, such as cold symptoms, scrapes and bruises or mild aches and pains, consider if your condition could be treated with rest or with supplies available at your local pharmacy.
Ontario 211 is a free service that can connect you with programs and services in our local community. They can assist with:
- community programs
- employment and training
- home care services
- homelessness and housing
- mental health and addictions
- youth, family, and elder care services
When you don't know who to call, call 211. For more information, watch this video.
If you need medical attention, but it's not an emergency, visit a doctor or clinic.
The Peterborough Family Health Team offers extended hours clinics for those who are unable to get an appointment with their regular doctor. For those who are not connected with a local physician, there is a walk-in clinic and virtual care clinic available. You can also add your name to a wait-list, if you are not already connected with a local doctor.
For more information, call the Peterborough Family Health Team at 705-740-8020.
 For urgent or life-threatening conditions, call 911 immediately. This may include:
- chest pain
- head injury
- severe blood loss
- breathing issues
- loss of consciousness
