9-1-1 Tips & Advice

 

• Stay Calm. It’s important to take a deep breath and to not get excited. Any situation that requires 911 is, by definition an emergency. The dispatcher or call-taker knows that and will try to move things along quickly, but they must get certain information.

 

• Know the location of the emergency and number you are calling from. A dispatcher may ask these same questions more than once but don’t get frustrated. It is important that the call-taker knows where you are and how to call you back if for some reason the call becomes disconnected. Don’t hang up until the dispatcher tells you to hang up!

 

• Wait for the call-taker/dispatcher to ask questions, answer clearly and calmly. If you are in danger of assault, the call-taker will still need you to answer quietly, mostly just “yes” or “no” questions.

 

• Stay patient and follow all directions. The call taker will be typing information into the computer and it may seem like it is taking forever. However, there is a good chance that emergency services have already been sent out. The call-taker may give you further directions to assist with the current emergency. Follow the directions precisely and ask for clarification if you don’t understand.

 

• Keep your eyes open. You may be asked to describe victims, suspects, vehicles or other parts of the scene.

 

• Do not hang up! Don’t disconnect the call until directed to do so by the call-taker. Doing so may cause a delay in response time.

**If for some reason you can’t speak to the 911 call-taker, leave the line open and simply lay the phone down. Don’t just call and hang up.