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1. What if I call 911 accidentally?

If you accidentally dial 911, do not hang up.  Stay on the line and tell the Dispatcher that everything is okay. If you hang up, the Dispatcher will attempt to call the phone number back. If they are unable to make contact with you, a Police Officer will be dispatched to your residence to ensure you do not need assistance.

2. Why do the dispatchers ask so many questions when I call 911?

Emergency Dispatchers need to get accurate information to allow Officers to make the best decision on how to approach the situation.  Dispatchers handling fire and medical calls must also consider the well-being of the public, the safety of the Firefighters, Paramedics and Police Officers.  The information you provide a Dispatcher is relayed to responding Officers, Paramedics or Firefighters while they are responding to the call.

3. What if I don't know the address?

Advise the Dispatcher that you don't know the actual address and then give a cross street or a block number, provide landmarks, business names or parks nearby.  Look at house numbers in the area, if inside a building look for a piece of mail with an address.

4. Why do dispatchers ask so many questions for an ambulance?

You are asked a series of questions that will help the Paramedics determine the response needed to help the patient in the best way possible.  The Dispatcher can obtain this information while sending the help that is needed.  The Dispatcher will provide instructions for patient care until the Paramedics arrive on the scene. You should carefully follow the instructions given by the Dispatcher.

5. How to describe people involved?

Dispatchers need as much information as possible concerning the subjects involved in the emergency.  The best descriptions will involve sex, race, height, weight, hair color and clothing description.  If you think the subject has a weapon tell what kind of weapon you think it is.

6. How to describe vehicles?

Dispatchers need a description of vehicles involved in case the subjects leave the scene so that officers can look for them while they are on the way to the incident.  If possible get license plate number, make, body style and color and if it's an older or newer model vehicle. Include any information that would make it easily identified such as damage, stickers and how many doors.