How a 999 call is handled at a call centre - Severe bleed scenario

🚑 Simulated Emergency Call – Severe Bleed

In this training module, we review a simulated emergency call filmed at a real ambulance control centre. The scenario involves a severe bleed incident and highlights how call operators handle critical medical emergencies.

Due to confidentiality rules, we cannot show you the operator's screen, but you will hear the full conversation as the operator guides the caller through a life-threatening situation.

📋 Key Points Covered in the Call

• Confirming if the patient is breathing and awake
• Obtaining exact location details (address, town, postcode)
• Establishing the number of casualties and basic demographics
• Checking for the presence of an attacker or ongoing danger
• Identifying whether the patient is suffering from serious bleeding
• Issuing life-saving first aid instructions over the phone

🩸 Bleeding Control Instructions

The call handler provided detailed advice on how to stop the bleeding. This included:

1. Using a clean, dry cloth or towel to cover the wound
2. Applying firm, steady pressure and not lifting the cloth to check the wound
3. Monitoring the patient and reporting any changes
4. Not removing any object (e.g. knife) still lodged in the wound
5. Keeping the patient still and avoiding food or drink

The operator stayed on the line until the ambulance crew arrived and offered continuous reassurance and instruction throughout. This simulation demonstrates how basic triage and first aid support can begin immediately, even before trained responders arrive on scene.

Always remember: your calmness, accuracy, and ability to follow instructions during an emergency call can save lives.