We have one of the most advanced, efficient and well organized emergency services in the world. When we call 911, we get instant help when we need it. Operators usually know where we are, have the ability to share information with responders as they are en-route, and they have a vast array of tools that enable them to coordinate a response in a matter of seconds. However, this well oiled machine depends on communication equipment, manpower, free and clear road ways and a lot of human influence to work properly.
Big emergencies clog the emergency system every time. Operators become overwhelmed with callers reporting the same problem. Dispatchers are dealing with a full plate as they are trying to send multiple personnel the scene and all of this slows down this system to the point that other emergencies in different areas may not get the attention or resources that they deserve. All it takes is one huge explosion, major accident or serious weather episode to take our emergency response services and throw them in to overdrive.
This is why anyone who wants to survive needs to be able to act as their own first responder just in case help is not available when needed. Sometimes people have to fend for themselves simply because they are out of range for contacting help, or perhaps help needs a few hours to arrive and offer assistance. Do you know what to do if you are suddenly faced with an emergency and no one is there on the other end of the phone to help? This is something that everyone should think about because 911 is a service, and there are times when this service simply is not available.
What if a serious incident occurred that damaged the 911 center’s equipment, or perhaps something happened that makes roads impassable? Responses could be delayed or not available at all, and this can have a serious impact on the survivability of anyone who is unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of this bad news. Learning to take care of yourself is not easy, especially when we all have been conditioned to rely on outside influences for help and assistance. The reality is that while that approach works most of the time, survival may depend on being able to use available resources right where you are if help can not be immediately sent to your location.
Managing emergencies on your own can be scary, especially if you are not really equipped or prepared to do so. Whether you are witnessing someone having a heart attack, or you became trapped as the result of a construction accident, knowing what to do and how to solve the immediate problem is essential. You can receive training that will help you in a number of ways to better cope and manage emergencies. From first aid to disaster management to self-defense courses, you can pick and choose how you can learn to be in a better position to handle a crisis yourself if you are unfortunate enough not to be able to summon help when it is needed the most.
It doesn’t take a lot to learn how to be a first responder or a first defender, and the most important thing that you can do is to be prepared mentally and emotionally. Start thinking about how you would react in an emergency as well as what strengths and weaknesses you may have. This will help you to focus your efforts when it comes to learning how to be a better crisis manager. If you are a victim and cannot get help, your training or knowledge can be very useful as you think of ways to cope and find solutions.
A big part of survival is being able to have other options available if the first couple of choices are not. This includes learning how to manage without 911, because there is a real possibility that you will encounter this very scenario at one point in time or another. When that time comes, you want to be ready, and you want to offer your best and not doubt your actions.
A little bit of training, thought and preparation will serve you immensely well when you are called upon to act. Now is the time to start thinking about how you will deal with range of situations without the help of 911 or professional services. Take advantage of the many training courses, learning resources and online tools that can help you to become more familiar, confident and experienced when it comes to dealing with an emergency that only you can handle. Your or someone else’s life may very well depend on your capabilities and ability to step in and intervene until such a time when emergency services are available to take over.
