“If someone yells ’call 911,‘ do it IMMEDIATELY. Don’t waste precious seconds trying to find out what’s happening. Get 911 on the line, and THEN you can run outside and see what’s going on.”

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Note: Some responses were pulled from this Reddit thread by u/serenaderer.

"Also, as long as you aren't in immediate danger, stay in your vehicle in cold weather; a car is easier to find in a blizzard than a person."

"My female cat will not approach anyone on her own, but if you snap that food packaging, she is right at your feet, so I know even in the worst case, someone will be able to get my pets out of the house."

"Lastly, having the key attached to you (lanyard, clips, etc.) is a good idea so you can't drop it and lose it. (If it's on a neck lanyard, put it inside your clothing so it can't accidentally get caught in a truck or door you are closing)."

"The brief summary is important. Don't just tell me a car flipped, tell us the number of vehicles, the number of possible people involved, anyone ejected from the vehicle, anyone entrapped in the vehicle, things of that nature. Don't just say 'sick person' — describe what's going on.

Pertinent medical information is key. It can often be the difference between 'chest pain' and a possible heart attack. Chest pain, while severe sounding, is something we don't really go lights and sirens for. Possible heart attack, however, will get us there ASAP."

"Alternatively, have your parents labeled clearly in your contacts, although I understand not everybody would want their parents to be the first to be called."

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.