Know what's happening
Assess the emergency before you call or text 9-1-1. Not every bystander needs to call 9-1-1 regarding the same incident.
Try to stay calm
Telecommunicators will be able to help you quickly and more efficiently if you stay calm.
Listen carefully and answer questions
Keep answers quick and concise so that the telecommunicators can determine and dispatch the necessary emergency services.
Answer only the questions being asked. Adding extra information that the Telecommunicator does not ask for or that is not immediately related to the emergency can slow the response time.
Be prepared to answer the following questions
- What is the address of the emergency?
- What is the phone number you are calling from?
- What is the emergency?
If the emergency is medically related
1. How old is he/she? (If you are unsure of the age, please make an educated guess.)
2. Is he/she awake or unconscious?
3. Is he/she breathing? (If you do not know, you will be asked to check.)
If the emergency is fire related
1. Are you safe and out of danger?
2. Is everyone else safe and out of danger?
If you call 9-1-1 by accident do not hang up!
Telecommunicators will follow up with all calls. If you accidentally call 9-1-1, stay on the line and explain that it was a mistake to avoid emergency services from being dispatched.
Is it an emergency?
If the situation does not require police, fire or an ambulance, do not call 9-1-1. Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency.