Bright Future Foundation hosted Vail PD 911 dispatcher Fernando Almanza last week, who gave us a refresher on 911 usage and tips for success for callers. This is great resource for all of us, to remind us that the dispatcher’s job is critical in getting emergency resources to us quickly – but first they need information from us to get started! Please read his presentation below:
Have you ever called 911?
Many of us have not or cannot remember in great detail the multitude of questions asked by the dispatcher. SO, here is an overview of what you will be asked when you call 911:
- 911, what is the address of your emergency?
- What’s the phone number you are calling from?
- Tell me all that again to make sure I have it correctly.
- Tell me exactly what happened.
Please remember, you are not yet speaking to a Deputy or Officer; for now just try to answer the Dispatcher’s questions to the best of your knowledge and with respect. There are many other questions that you will be asked, but these are the four basic.
*Did you know you can also text to 911? The same rules apply as those when calling. Give them the address of your emergency, the phone number from which you’re calling, what happened.
*The Vail Public Safety Communications Center has one fulltime English/Spanish interpreter and translator, as well as a company hired to interpreter in any language.
*Did you know “disconnected” phones can also call 911?
-Please consider the above fact before giving it to your baby/toddler.
*Are you subscribed to ECALERT.ORG?
*Where should I check if I want to know the road conditions?
-COTRIP.ORG
IF you need to call 911 because you’re in a dangerous situation but you cannot safely explain precisely what is occurring, one tip for victims is to “order pizza” when calling 911 – click this link to see this in action. It could save a life.
