Getting help in an emergency situation

Neighbourhood networks play an important role when it comes to needing help in an emergency.

Examples of such networks include neighbourhood watches, street schemes, CPFs, local security companies and council and crime WhatsApp groups.

Charnel Hattingh of Fidelity ADT advised community members to prepare well in case of emergencies and reminded them that it is crucial to know what is going on in one’s suburb.

“If you are connected to your neighbours through such platforms you have a lifeline to help should you be confronted with an emergency at home.

“Nobody wants to think about an emergency unfolding at home, but the reality is they happen and often very quickly,” she said.

She noted that people do not always think clearly when something traumatic happens and they need medical or any other help.

“As a result, it may be a neighbour who is closest and who can initiate contact with the right resources. While it is important not to ignore any distress signals from neighbouring properties, it isn’t wise to simply enter a property when you don’t know what has happened,” said Hattingh.

Reacting to an emergency

She also advised that police and armed response officers are trained to deal with dangerous situations and that they should be the priority.

“If you are the first on the scene and feel it is safe to enter the property, try to find out as much as possible and as quickly as possible. Find out what happened, and check whether the victim is injured,” said Hattingh.

If they can offer a description of the perpetrators or their vehicle, she advised that one should quickly communicate with relevant suburb groups to assist.

According to Hattingh, not all emergencies are related to crime.

“Accidents and incidents at home can include accidental poisoning, fire, drowning, serious fall, electrocution, bee attack, dog bite and various medical traumas, like a heart attack or stroke. Any of these will require a quick emergency response,” she said.

She reiterated that it is important to have a link with neighbours and the broader suburb through social media groups.

“The bottom line in an emergency is that you need to get the right help quickly. This means keeping a cool head and using the resources you have available to summon help. Quick reactions often save the day and lives, as our reaction officers know all too well,” said Hattingh.

Here are the seven most important steps when reacting to an emergency at a neighbour’s house:

• Ensure it is safe to approach the house.
• Establish what has happened as quickly as you can but don’t wait for this information if you know something is wrong. Hit your panic button and send a message to your local Whatsapp group.
• Stay with the victim and try to keep them calm.
• If they are injured and you know basic first-aid, initiate treatment if the wounds are not too severe.
• If the house number is not visible, stand on the curb and signal to the emergency responders.
• Keep track of what others are reporting on the Whatsapp group. It often happens that criminals jump walls and are not quick enough to get out of a suburb before residents offer enough information on their whereabouts to get them arrested.
• When the right help arrives, step aside and let them take over. You may be required to give a statement to the police and a description of events to your security company.