Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Common Questions

Can I call 9-1-1 from my wireless phone?  YES!

• 9-1-1 Dispatchers do NOT receive your phone number or location automatically.

• Know where you are: an address, intersection or highway mile marker.

• Know your phone number!  If emergency personnel cannot find your location, we can call you back for more information

If I call 9-1-1, will there be an immediate response?

• All life-threatening emergencies are responded to immediately.

• Other calls are handled by priority, the situations which could cause the most harm to people or property are handled before those with no safety issues.

What should I do if a dispatcher doesn't answer immediately?

• Stay on the line.  9-1-1 calls are answered in the order received.

• Be ready with your information-address, telephone number and problem.

• If you hang up or are disconnected, the call still comes through to the 9-1-1 Dispatcher.  They will try to call your back.  If no one answers, law enforcement officers will be sent to the address on the call.

Do 9-1-1 Dispatchers provide emergency medical instructions?  YES!

• 9-1-1 Dispatchers can help with:

  • CPR on someone who isn't breathing and may not have a pulse.

  • Emergency childbirth

  • Severe bleeding problems

  • Being prepared for the emergency crews

• STAY ON THE PHONE!  Wait until the dispatcher hangs up, in case they need more information or have further instructions.

Does 9-1-1 work with Poison Control?

• The 9-1-1 Dispatcher will ask you questions to determine if an ambulance is needed.

• Your call can be transferred to Poison Control.

• The 9-1-1 Dispatcher will monitor the call, in case the patient's condition gets worse and EMS would be needed.

When should I teach my child about 9-1-1?

• Depends on the child.  If the child can read numbers and dial the phone, they can be taught how to call 9-1-1.  Some children can do this at age 2-1/2 to 3 years old, some are 5 years old before the understand.

• Teach them when to call 9-1-1.  Children can recognize emergencies such as fire or someone unconscious.  They can also be taught when law enforcement officers are needed.

• Remind them 9-1-1 is for emergencies only.

Can 9-1-1 handle TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) calls?  YES!

• 9-1-1 can be used for both TDD calls and hearing calls.

• Telephone equipment immediately identifies TDD calls and the 9-1-1 Dispatcher is able to go right into TDD mode.

• The 9-1-1 Dispatchers are trained to handle TDD call.  They receive refresher training throughout the year to be better prepared for these calls.

What if the caller does not speak English?

• The 9-1-1 Dispatcher immediately connects the call to an interpreter.

• 9-1-1 Dispatchers have 24 hour access to interpreters for over 100 languages and dialects.

• As soon as the 9-1-1 Dispatcher determines if there is an emergency help will be sent.

Remember...

Be prepared to

1. Describe the problem.

2. Give the address or location.

3. Stay on the phone.

©, Copyright, 2001 Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
last update: 05/25/05
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