1. Stay calm and Speak clearly
2. Listen carefully to the Dispatchers questions and answer each question carefully.
3. Verbally answer all questions. Remember the Dispatcher cannot see your hand or head gestures, signs or motions.
4. State your emergency.
5. State your address - IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO VERIFY THE ADDRESS
6. STAY ON THE LINE
7. Do not hang up until the Dispatcher tells you it is OK to do so. They may need to ask additional questions regarding the emergency or an EMS dispatcher may give your instructions to help stabilize the patient before the ambulance gets to your location.
8. Follow the instructions of the Dispatcher and remain calm.
9. If you can, stay by the phone in case the 9-1-1 call-taker needs to call you back.

What to Do if You Can't Speak

1. Stay calm
2. Dial 9-1-1
3. Either leave the phone off the hook or make some sort of noise to let the dispatcher know there is an emergency.
4. With enhanced 9-1-1 providing your address, the call-taker can dispatch police assistance to your location.

Here are some of the questions the dispatcher may ask you if you are reporting a crime in progress:

• Give a brief description of what occurred.
• Where exactly did the incident occur? Include building and room/area.
• How long ago did the incident occur?
• Did the suspect(s) have any weapons?
• Which direction was the suspect headed?
• Was the suspect on foot or in a vehicle?
• What did the suspect(s) look like? Describe each suspect one at a time.
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Age
  • Height & Weight
  • Hair Color & Length
  • Clothing
  • Glasses/Facial Hair
  • Was the suspect carrying anything?
  • Vehicle Description, Color, Make, Model, License Plate