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Most Americans are taught as children that in an emergency they should call 911, yet as adults many don’t, even when they should.

Why? It’s often the result of false facts, fears, and myths about the service. Calling first responders in the event of an emergency poses little or no threat to the caller, but could help save lives.

Don’t let these popular myths prevent you from getting the help you need in the event of an emergency.

Myth: I can get in trouble for calling 911 if drugs are involved.

Fact: Good samaritan laws protect callers in most states.

In an attempt to reduce overdose deaths, 40 states and the District of Columbia have enacted “good samaritan laws” that protect 911 callers. According to a report on “Good Samaritan Laws” by professors Brian West and Matthew Varacallo, “These laws intend to reduce the number of overdoses by encouraging both victims and witnesses to call 911, by granting a certain degree of immunity. This immunity may come in the form of not being charged with a drug-related offense or receiving a reduced sentence.” The authors add that such laws require first responders to regard “the care of the patient as a top priority” rather than drug confiscation or arrest.

Myth: I shouldn’t call 911 after a car accident if I’m at fault.

Fact: Always call 911 in the event of a serious collision.

Though it might be tempting to avoid calling the police after an at-fault collision, avoiding it could make matters worse, according to a recent article published by The Balance. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it can potentially save lives following a serious incident. It will also make the reporting process much smoother, and help avoid any unnecessary issues in the future.

Myth: It’s better to drive myself to the hospital than call 911.

Fact: Always call 911 in the event of a medical emergency.

When tragedy strikes, people often believe that they can manage on their own when in reality they could benefit from professional assistance. For example, approximately one third of those who suffer a stroke transport themselves to the hospital, rather than calling 911, according to a recent study by the American Heart Association.

After further analysis the researchers discovered that many patients were afraid that an ambulance would take them to the nearest hospital, rather than their preferred hospital. According to the American Heart Association it is true that first responders are required to take stroke victims to the nearest emergency room, but only because “fast action is essential in treating stroke, with early treatment leading to higher survival rates and lower disability rates.” The organization adds that patients are able to request a transfer to the hospital of their choosing following initial assessment and treatment.

While it may be easier to drive yourself to the hospital for minor medical needs, it’s important not to take the same approach in the event of a real emergency.

Myth: Response times are too long to bother calling.

Fact: Responses are prioritized based on urgency.

Many are discouraged from calling 911 because they believe response times are too slow. While the response time of emergency services ranges widely between jurisdictions, they are also directly related to the seriousness of the emergency. Each jurisdiction in America has its own priority standards, but based on information provided by the Kansas City police department, the Grant Park Neighbourhood Association in Atlanta and the Ohio State University Police Department, top priority is often given to:

1. Incidents still in progress
2. Incidents involving serious injuries or fatalities
3. Incidents involving weapons and active threats, such as a bomb threat or active shooter
4. Incidents where police and other first responders are able to provide immediate assistance, such as major car accidents, severe fires and other disasters.

In such incidents, dispatchers send help immediately, but other incidents may not receive an immediate response. If you’re unsure whether your predicament requires emergency assistance, it’s often better to call and speak with an operator, as they are trained to give you advice on how to best proceed.