911 Do's and Don'ts

• Dial 911 only in an emergency. If it is not an emergency dial the specific agency you need via the 10 digit number listed under non-emergency numbers.
  
  
• If you accidentally dial 911, please stay on the line and let the dispatcher know that it was an accidental call. The 911 dispatcher is required to follow up on all 911 calls and verify the existence of an emergency. If we are unable to communicate with someone at the residence, we will dispatch police to check on the status.
  
  
• Let the call-taker ask you questions. They have been trained to ask specific questions that will help prioritize the incident and send the appropriate agencies to assist.
  
  
• The dispatcher will ask you 4 important questions.
  
  Where is the address of the emergency?
  What is the nature of the emergency?
  What is your name?
  What is the telephone number you are calling from?
  
  
• The dispatcher may ask you additional questions such as specific questions relating to the medical problem a patient is having. These questions are asked in order to provide the ambulance crew, and in other case the appropriate responding personnel, a clear concise picture as to what is occurring on the scene. This DOES NOT delay the notification of the responding agency ie. Ambulance. The alert of necessary personnel is being conducted while you are on the phone.
  

• If you are calling by cellular phone, please be prepared to describe in detail your location. To this point in time, cellular calls do not give us an automatic location identified like normal 911. Look for distinguishing land marks, businesses, last exit number, or mile marker. Be able to identify the direction that you are traveling in. Know the last town or city that you may have passed thru.
  
  
• Listen to the dispatcher's instructions for assistance. The dispatcher may assist you in performing CPR, or direct you to leave the building, or take other action to protect yourself.
  
  
• DON'T hang-up until the dispatcher has completed his call taking process.
  
  
• Try to remain calm. Talk slowly, and in a clear and concise voice. The dispatcher may ask you to repeat yourself, or repeat back what you just said. Don't become annoyed. This is done to verify with you that the dispatcher has the correct information.
  
  
• The dispatcher may elect to keep you on the phone until help arrives. Remember that help has been notified. Keep the dispatcher advised of any changes with the current incident.