When calling in an emergency situation it is essential to provide the correct information as this expedites response times. But often call-centre operators get the street name and address incorrect.
It is essential to learn to spell using the phonetic alphabet – this way emergency services and the Police vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks, will be provided with the correct spelling of the street. It is also important to ensure that your home or street number is clearly marked.
Here is the Nato (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) phonetic alphabet:
A = Alpha
B= Bravo
C = Charlie
D = Delta
E = Echo
F = Foxtrot
G = Golf
H = Hotel
I = India
J = Juliet
K = Kilo
L = Lima
M = Mike
N = November
O = Oscar
P = Pappa
Q = Quebec
R = Romeo
S = Sierra
T = Tango
U = Uniform
V = Victor
W = Whiskey
X = X-ray
Y = Yankee
Z = Zulu
Other abbreviations worthwhile knowing:
BOLO – Be on the lookout
MVA – Motor vehicle accident
MBA – Motorbike accident
PVA – Pedestrian-vehicle accident
LMV – Light motor vehicle (car/ taxi)
HMV – Heavy motor vehicle (truck/bus)
LMVA – Light motor vehicle accident
HMVA – Heavy motor vehicle accident
EMS – Emergency Medical Services
ETA – Estimated time of arrival
LDV – Light duty vehicle (car/ bakkie)
DUI – Driving under the influence
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