Before you settle into your new home and work assignment we want you to be prepared for the unexpected.
Accidents and emergencies can happen anywhere, and knowing the right emergency numbers and procedures in the U.S. can make all the difference.
Having a plan in place and knowing exactly what to do will help you stay safe and confident as you begin this new chapter.
In Case of Emergency
Prepare yourself for any situation in your new surroundings. Get to know the emergency contacts and vital information that will protect your safety and support your well-being.
Stay Connected in an Emergency
As a healthcare professional, you’re already familiar with the importance of fast emergency response. In the U.S., dialing 9-1-1 connects you to help for medical, fire, or law-enforcement emergencies. This number works from any mobile phone or landline nearb.
When you call, a trained dispatcher will take your information and coordinate with the appropriate emergency services to get you the assistance you need.
What Happens When You Call 9-1-1
It is essential that you know the following information in order for the operator to send a response team as soon as possible: location of emergency, phone number you are calling from, type of emergency, and specific details about the emergency.
They will want to know where you are located and where is the scene of the accident, what happened, ask if any one is hurt.
Tips When Calling 9-1-1 Emergency Line
- Stay on the line. Your call will be answered as soon as possible.
- Be ready with details. Have key information available and write it down if needed.
- Let the dispatcher lead. Answer their questions so they can send the right help.
- Provide updates promptly. If anything changes while you are on the call, tell the dispatcher.
Texting 9-1-1
For now, the best way to reach 9-1-1 is with a voice call. However, if you are unable to call or if it is unsafe for you to call, you can text instead if the service is available in your area.
It is recommended to call over texting when you can because 9-1-1 telecommunicators use background noise to help build situational awareness, and it prevents a delay in communication when speaking rather than texting.
Remember: Call if you can, text if you can’t.
Non-Emergency Assistance
You can also get help with non-emergencies. For any non-emergencies where someone should still be notified, please call 3-1-1. This is a non-emergency municipal service that helps with non-working streetlights, parking meters, traffic lights, potholes, and road debris. It is supported in most states across the United States.
Other Important Contact Information
Poison Control
Another emergency number to memorize is poison control. They can give you step by step instructions to mitigate the poisonous reaction until medical personnel arrive on scene.
- Phone: 1-800-222-1222
Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides coordinated, federal response in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or other large-scale emergencies while working with federal, state, or local partners to ensure a swift and effective recovery effort.
- Phone: 1-866-627-2255
- Email: support@priority-info.com
FEMA Helpline
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) mission is to support the citizens and first responders to promote that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
- Phone: 1-800-621-3362
More Emergency-Related Numbers Expats Should Have
In addition to the nationwide emergency numbers mentioned above, make sure to keep a detailed list of the following local phone numbers:
- Local police department
- Local fire department
- Local hospital
- Physician’s office
- Local pharmacy
- Health insurance company
- Personal emergency contacts
For additional information about the United States Federal 9-1-1 program, visit: https://www.911.gov/
About International AutoSource
International AutoSource provides vehicle financing for international nurses, doctors, medical technicians, and many other healthcare professionals with no U.S. credit history. The IAS Healthcare Advantage Program provides exclusive protections, privileged pricing, and dedicated full-service support that is not available anywhere else.
International Healthcare professionals can take advantage of savings, convenience, and full-service support all in one place. Our dedicated healthcare product specialists work one-on-one with each customer to provide full-service support before, during, and after delivery. We also assist with all documentation needed for vehicle financing, licensing, and registration as our customers have more important things to worry about.
Get tips and learn what to expect to make your move as seamless as possible.
