cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/40442020
911 is the emergency number here in Canada if you’re unfamiliar. 112, 999, etc if you’re elsewhere IIRC.
Do you remember the first time you had to use it?
What were you thinking, feeling?
First time I had to use it in earnest I was working front end at a post office and there was a random guy doing maintenance behind me in the back area of the office. Barely said a word to him, he barely said a word to me. I was fairly busy and he seemed kinda gruff.
Bit later all of a sudden he taps me on the shoulder pretty aggressively, I turned and was getting ready to give him some not-polite words about touching me like that and how he better not damn well do that again but I stopped when I saw the look on his face.
He just says, “call 911.”
I look blankly at him, getting some mental whiplash, and just dumbly go, “what?”
Him, “I’m having a fucking heart-attack, CALL 911!”
That got through so I called them, gave them the info. He went back into the office and laid down.
I was a bit in shock myself and just looked at the customers in line in front of me and said to the woman, “he’s having a heart attack, sorry.”
Honestly think I could’ve handled the situation better, at least gone back and been more empathetic but I was caught between him, customers, and making sure I was visible so I could wave the paramedics to where they needed to go.
The post office there was tucked into the back corner and most of the store didn’t even know about it until I told them later that day.
Never heard anything after, no clue if the guy survived, or not. Didn’t see him again either way.
You?
Glad you were there to help him, OP. That’s crazy you never heard anything about him after that.
First time I remember calling 911 was after I’d dumped a girlfriend and she threatened to overdose on some prescription meds I’d left at her place. I was in another country and immediately called emergency services in her city. They promised me they were on their way to her and we ended the call. I was feeling more exasperated than anything, because I knew she was doing it to get my attention, but if someone threatens to overdose then you get them help.
A couple days later she left me a very angry voicemail. They’d come to her parents’ place and taken her against her will to a psychiatric ward where she was forced to spend 24 hours without her phone or any possessions. After she was released she was ordered to attend counseling for some months. She was so upset and embarrassed. But the system worked as it should, she learned a valuable lesson and last I heard she’s doing fine.