Over the course of our lifetime, most of us will experience some kind of an emergency and will make use of that wonderful number, 9-1-1. What goes on after you dial 9-1-1? How do you most effectively communicate your need to the 9-1-1 call taker? What can you expect on the phone, and what comes next?

Here is an insider’s view … how to get the most from 9-1-1.

Constant contact
Both Clallam County and Jefferson County have multi-agency dispatch centers that provide high quality public safety communication services. We are in radio contact with responders and answer calls from the public on business lines as well as 9-1-1. Among other duties, we create computer documentation, research information and provide pre-arrival instructions.

You dial 9-1-1 and wait for what seems like a lifetime when you are in distress.

Don’t hang up. 9-1-1 always will go through but there is a longer delay than when dialing any other number due to the switching involved from the telephone company to the proper PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point). Then you will hear the voice, “9-1-1, Where is the emergency?”

Where are you?
Location is the most essential piece of the puzzle. We cannot provide the help you need if we don’t know where to send that help. Enhanced 9-1-1 provides us with basic information but telephone company records are not without error so we will ask you for a name, address and phone number. It is a good idea to post your own address and phone number by your telephone. In a panic, you may not be able to recall that basic information and guests calling for help also will need it.

If you are using a cell phone, we may be able to get a reading of your general location depending on a number of factors but that may not be accurate enough to get help to you in a timely manner. If you are traveling, be cognizant of mileposts, landmarks or businesses and cross streets.

Be calm, be patient
When the call taker asks questions, do not assume it is slowing response. For high priority calls, units often are dispatched as soon as the location and nature of incident is established. Additional questions are to provide for responder safety and to help provide for the best outcome of the situation At times we may ask you to stay on the line until help arrives if you are safe to do so. We then are able to give you instructions on how to help until aid is there or to continue getting updated information for responders to a volatile situation.

What’s your emergency?
When do you use 9-1-1? What is an emergency? Basically, if there is an immediate threat to life or property, calling 9-1-1 is appropriate. If you are a witness or a victim of a crime that is in progress or has just occurred and there is a possibility of apprehending the suspect, call 9-1-1. If you have a medical crisis that needs immediate action, call 9-1-1. If you perceive a public hazard such as a power line down that requires prompt attention, use 9-1-1.

It would be a good idea to look up the numbers for your local law enforcement agency, for the power company and for your doctor’s office and write them in a place that you can find easily when you need to call concerning something that is not an emergency.

Call the right provider
Your local 9-1-1 center can be overwhelmed with calls of a non-emergency nature during storms.

The center has a limited number of lines coming in, so it is possible that while you are reporting your power outage, someone with a life-threatening emergency is unable to get through to us.
So, take a deep breath after dialing 9-1-1, stay as calm as possible and know that people who care about your well-being are here to help.