What is 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is an emergency telephone number that provides immediate and direct access to FIRE, POLICE, and MEDICAL SERVICES.
When you dial 9-1-1 your call is answered by a Dispatcher who is trained in providing emergency medical dispatching, radio communications and related skills. The Dispatcher will ask you several basic questions….
*What is the emergency?
*Where is this happening?
*When did this happen?
*What is happening now?
*Who is involved? Description.
*Is anyone injured?
The reason for these questions is to provide you with the proper response, whether you need a Law Enforcement Officer, Ambulance, or Fire Department.
You may need other information when calling 9-1-1. Include the exact location or address of the emergency. Provide nearby intersections, landmarks, building name, floor, room, or apartment number, as well as directions to the address, if possible. Carefully listen to and answer all the Dispatcher’s questions. DO NOT HANG UP the phone until the 9-1-1 Dispatcher tells you to.
You will be asked to verify the address and phone number of the location you are calling from, so it is very important to know this information right away.
When the type of emergency is determined, the Dispatcher will then page the appropriate response team(s), ex. Sheriff, Police, Ambulance, or Fire Department.