information when calling 911.

Emergency Service director Dr. Edward Schultz said in a press conference yesterday there was a concern about inadequate information given when receiving ambulance calls.

"People are anxious when calling, and they are reluctant to stay on the phone and give all the information needed,'' Dr. Schultz said.

"It's important to have information about the victim so we can determine who's going out on call.

"With all the information we can determine what speed the ambulances need to travel. We don't want ambulances to go faster than they have to.'' Dr. Schultz is asking that the public consider the possibility of denying a person that has a heart attack from getting to the hospital.

There are several key pieces of information which should be given when calling 911.

Key information such as what the nature of the emergency is, the exact location where the call is coming from, street name, house number and cross reference streets should be given.

Also information such as the age and sex of victim should be given, if the victim is breathing, conscious or having a heart attack.

In a traffic accident the number of vehicles involved should be given, the types of vehicles, the number of people down or injured, if anyone is trapped and the exact location of the accident.

Dr. Schultz added: "It is important the person making the call stay on the phone.

"The person should identify themselves and give a number so additional information can be received.'' Dr. Schultz also said in an emergency situation it is important for people to call 911 instead of the hospital number.

How To Help 911 FACTS you should give when calling 911 about accidents at home: Give your exact location -- house number, street name and cross-reference streets; The age and sex of victim; If the victim is breathing or not; If the victim is conscious or unconscious; and If the person is having a heart attack.

FACTS you should give when calling 911 about road accidents: Give the number of vehicles and types; How many people are down or injured; Is anyone trapped in or under a vehicle; and The exact location of the accident.