Emergency Services

Chest-Compression-only CPR Technique

The American Heart Asssociation since 2008 recommends a procedure developed by Doctor Sarver who invented the procedure at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center . It is considered a better and easier method of CPR for older patients who collapse, not for those who first suffered respiratory problems, such as drowning or asthma. See tee video at http://ahsc.arizona.edu/node/730.

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

The American Red Cross recommends that senior citizens create a personal support network made up of several individuals who will check in on you in an emergency, to ensure your wellness and to give assistance if needed. This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors. Ideally, a minimum of three people can be identified at each location where you regularly spend time, for example at work, home, school or volunteer site. Visit the American Red Cross preparedness site or download this Preparedness Guide.

Help for Seniors

2-1-1 San Diego understands the needs of the community and believes that all people deserve to live healthy, happy and thriving lives. Through more than 400,000 annual connections with customers, 2-1-1 serves the entire population of San Diego and Imperial counties as the region’s primary connection to more than 6,000 community, health and disaster services. In more than 200 languages and dialects, 24 hours a day, they provide connections to services ranging from food assistance, healthcare information, services for families, children and seniors, military and veterans. By dialing 2-1-1, customers are linked to a live, highly-trained Customer Service Representative (CSR), who helps clients navigate resolutions to their needs using assessment and motivational interviewing. This helps to match them to the best and closest resource in their community and empower them to take the next step. During a disaster, 2-1-1 serves as the region’s connection to community and support services, providing public information to the community, rumor control and trend analysis to public safety officials. They also report community needs, relieving the burden on 9-1-1 operators, and serve as the central communications point for other agencies and organizations.

Reverse 911 Call System
During the fire season the County, Police and Fire Departments used a county wide "Reverse 911" automated call to homes and businesses for evacuation purposes. Over 500,000 were safely evacuated. You can sign up your cell phone for a "Reverse 911" call in order to get the warning while you are away from home. Go to http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ready/signup.html in order to register your cell phone number!

Up-to-the Minute Commuter Assistance, Call 511 or Log Into WWW.511SD.COM.
The 511 phone system offers up to the minute commuter information consolidating the region's transportation information into a one stop resource. Users are able to obtain current freeway drive times, transit route and rideshare information, roadside assistance and much more over the phone. The web site offers user camera views of traffic conditions at over 70 locations on San Diego County Highways.

Eagles Wings
Help for the spouses of the military widowed is given by Eagles Wings, and it takes place at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park.

Cool Zones
Having air-conditioned settings where seniors and others can beat the heat not only reduces their individual energy costs, but can protect their health. Cool Zones are also great places to meet people. The County’s Aging & Independence Services (AIS), in partnership with SDG&E, will operate the Cool Zone program June 22 through October 15. For more about Cool Zones, see www.CoolZones.org or contact the AIS Call Center at (800) 510-2020, and press “6.”