An emergency can occur anywhere and at any time, and every second counts in such moments. Whether it's a medical emergency, a fire or an accident, calling the emergency number is often the first step to getting help quickly.
In order for the control center to respond efficiently and in a targeted manner, it is crucial that the caller provides precise and complete information.
The 5 W questions provide a simple and effective structure to convey all the necessary details. In this blog article, we explain the information behind the 5 W questions and why they are so important.
The 5 W questions in an emergency:
- Where is the emergency location?
- What has happened?
- Who is calling?
- How many people affected?
- Waiting for questions
What are the 5 W questions in detail?
1. Where is the emergency location?
The exact location of the emergency is of central importance. This is the only way that emergency services can get to the location quickly and efficiently. Give the full address, including the street, house number, floor and any special information that will make it easier to find (e.g. "in the backyard" or "next to the church"). In the case of accidents on the highway or in rural areas, precise descriptions or prominent points are particularly important
2. What has happened?
Describe the incident as precisely as possible. Is it a traffic accident, a fire, a sudden illness or something else?
A precise description helps the control center to coordinate the right kind of help, be it fire department, police or rescue service. Details such as "unconscious person", "heavy smoke" or "serious traffic accident" provide important information about the urgency and type of operation.
3. Who is calling?
State your name and telephone number in case there are any queries. This information is important in case the control center needs further details or if contact is lost for any reason. It can also be helpful for the emergency services to have a contact person on site.
4. How many people affected?
Enter the number of injured or affected persons. This information helps to plan the necessary resources and emergency personnel. If possible, also describe the condition of those affected (e.g. "one unconscious person", "two slightly injured").
The more precise this information is, the better the emergency services can prepare.
5. Wait for further questions
Do not end the call immediately after the first description, but wait to see if the control center has any further questions.
Stay on the phone until the control center signals that it has all the necessary information about the 5 W questions. Additional details are often crucial in order to coordinate the operation optimally.
Internalize the five W questions!
The 5 W questions provide a simple but effective structure for communicating clear and complete information to the emergency call center in a stressful situation.
By keeping these questions in mind and answering them calmly and precisely in an emergency, you can make a significant contribution to ensuring that the emergency services can help quickly and effectively.
Practice the 5 W questions with your family to be prepared in an emergency. Because every second counts!
You can also use our children's emergency call card to practise the five W questions with your child. Download now!
