Phoning 999 in an Emergency

CfE Experiences and Outcomes

I am learning to assess and manage risk, to protect myself and others and to reduce the potential for harm when possible. HWB 1-16a.

I know and can demonstrate how to keep myself and others safe and how to respond in a range of emergency situations. HWB 1-17a.

1. Connecting the Learning - Ask the class to recap on water safety by giving some examples of water hazards, the types of places they might occur and what the possible outcomes might be. Remind the children that in a ‘worst case scenario’ people in danger on the water could drown if they don’t get help quickly enough. In this lesson the class are going to have practice in calling the Water Rescue Team who are part of the Fire and Rescue Service.
   
2. Sharing the Learning Outcomes-

• I can recall which number to phone in a water safety emergency
• I can outline the types of questions that might be asked by the emergency operator
   
3. Active Learning - Explain that the best way of getting help quickly to people in danger on water is to call 999. This will alert the Water Rescue Firefighters to come quickly to the emergency. (Have a quick recap on the other 999 emergency services and ask if they know what happens if they call 999. The class may already have practised this in another lesson).

Ask the class to practise calling 999 and asking for ‘Water Rescue’ using the interactive activity on Go Safe (First, Water, Activity 3.) They will be asked ‘Which service do you require?’ and ‘Where do you require the water rescue service to attend?’ They will be asked additional questions that can be practised in class using the prompt cards. The additional questions are:

• ‘Where did the individual enter the water?’
• ‘Can you give us a short description of what the person looks like? What were they wearing?’
• ‘What age are they?

Explain that the more details you are able to give the Police and Water Rescue Services the faster they might be able to help someone so it important to answer these questions well.
   
4. Demonstrating Understanding - Organise the class into pairs. Within each pair one child will practise the role of emergency operator by asking the questions on the prompt cards while the other child practises being the emergency caller. There are also practice answers on prompt cards or the children can make up their own. The pairs can swap over to have a go at the other role.
   
5. Review and Recall - Remind the class of the Learning Outcomes and ask questions like:

• What is the best way to get help to someone in trouble in water, like a river or loch?
• Why is it not a good idea to get into the water yourself to help?
• What number do you call for help?
• What questions will you be asked by the operator?
Image of Phoning 999 in an Emergency
Skip to activity

Please select your region from the list below:

Please enter your username and password and press the "log in" button


*

*