Children taught how to make emergency calls

The organisation has begun hosting assemblies for primary pupils aged between seven and 11 so they know what to say if they should ever need to phone the emergency services.

During the session children will watch a film produced by the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service showing an emergency which requires an ambulance.

Following the film, a pupil will be given a mobile phone to call 999 to report the incident that was portrayed.

JT and Jersey Fire and Rescue Service control centres have joined forces with CAPJ to stage the exercise. When the call comes through from an identified number, a JT operator will route the call to the emergency service and normal procedures are followed as if it was a real event.

Both sides of the conversation will be played on speakers, so all the pupils within the assembly can hear the call unfold.

Mandy Le Tensorer, co-ordinator for Child Accident Prevention Jersey, said: ‘We’re aware that children often find making a 999 call a scary experience and because of this they may be reluctant to call, even though there is a real emergency.

‘There are a number of things both adults and children do wrong when making a 999 call, such as ending the call too quickly or not giving enough information. We thought it was important to give children the opportunity to hear a real 999 call so they understand the importance of listening to the operator, remaining calm and answering the questions asked as best they can. This way, if they ever find themselves in a situation where they need to dial 999, hopefully they will feel more confident and prepared.’

During the assembly, children will also learn about the dangers of making hoax calls.

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https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2018/01/29/children-taught-how-to-make-emergency-calls/