WHAT DISPATCHER'S DO

Who are 9-1-1 Dispatchers
Dispatcher's are the link between the public and the emergency response units, such as Sheriff's Deputies, Police Officers, Fireman and Emergency Medical Personnel, or other agencies required during an emergency.

When to call 9-1-1
9-1-1 is the number to call when you have an emergency that requires Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Fire, and/or Law Enforcement assistance. If you are not sure if you need them, call 9-1-1 to be safe, if it is not an emergency the 9-1-1 dispatcher will refer you to the office that should be able to assist you.

What Happens When 9-1-1 Is Called
When you call 9-1-1 the dispatcher will ask you several important questions. These questions will aid in determining what kind of help is needed and how much help to send. The dispatcher will ask you where the emergency is at and what number are you calling from. Even though this information may appear on the dispatcher's screen, it still needs verification to ensure that units respond to the correct location, also so that the dispatcher has a phone number to call you back if you should become disconnected.

What will the Dispatcher Ask
When you call 9-1-1 the dispatcher will ask you a series of questions that are used to determine the nature of your emergency. This information is relayed to the responding units to better prepare them to be able to provide you with the needed assistance upon their arrival. Be ready to provide the following information:

"What is the number you are calling from"
The number you are calling from may be different from the number where the emergency is located at
"Where is the emergency"
The location of the emergency may be different than from where you are calling. give exact address including, apartment numbers, cross streets, or any other important details in locating where the emergency is, such as mile post markers, road names, etc.
"What is the emergency"
Briefly say what seems to be wrong, if a motor vehicle accident is there anyone trapped inside "How many people are hurt/sick"
"Are they conscious"
"Are they breathing"
"Is the patient male or female"
"How old is the patient"
"What Kind of Fire"
House, Barn, Building, Trash container, Grass, Haystack, Power pole, Vehicle, etc.
"Are there any hazards"
Power lines, Propane, Natural Gas, Chemicals, etc.
"Where is the smoke or fire coming from"
"Is the person/persons still there"
"Description of the person"
"Description of the vehicle"
"Are any weapons involved"
"Are you alright/safe"
"Is an ambulance needed"

These are just an example of the question's the dispatcher might ask when you call, depending on what your emergency is. Remember to remain calm and to be patient and speak clearly. Emergency response will not be delayed by taking the time to answer the dispatcher's questions, in many instances units are dispatched while you are on the phone.

DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO BY THE DISPATCHER

What if I call 9-1-1 by mistake

If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, Do Not Hang Up! Let the dispatcher know that you dialed by mistake, as 9-1-1 hang-up's are re-called by the dispatcher to ensure that everything is okay. If the dispatcher is not able to make contact a police officer will be dispatched to ensure that no one is hurt or ill.

Teach your children how to use 9-1-1

Your children need to know how and when to use 9-1-1 properly. Always tell them to dial "nine-one-one", never tell them to dial "nine eleven", as there is not a number "eleven" on the telephone, and the child could become confused. Teach your children that the dispatcher is a source of help to them during an emergency. Teach your children what their address is and what their phone number is, so they can provide it to the dispatcher during an emergency.

Explain to your children that 9-1-1 is for emergencies, and that emergencies are when they need the police, fire department, or medical help in a hurry. Explain to them they should never play around calling 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency. Tell them if they are not sure of what they should do for them to call 9-1-1.

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