Dial the digits 9-1-1 from any residential, cellular, or coin-operated phone. If your school or business is on a PBX system that requires you to dial another digit (often 9) to reach an outside line then dial that digit first, then 9-1-1, e.g. 9-9-1-1.
Report the nature of your call: police, fire, or medical. Give the location of your incident, your name, and your phone number. Be prepared to answer the dispatcher's questions in detail. In life-threatening situations, the dispatcher may continue to ask questions while units are dispatched to the location you provided.
If you are reporting a crime and a person is involved, pay close attention to a physical description. If a vehicle is involved, obtain the color, year, make, license plate information and direction of travel if possible. Do not place yourself in danger to obtain information.
When reporting a fire, tell what is on fire and whether anyone is in danger such as a person(s) inside a vehicle or structure. Advise if any hazardous material is involved. Do not place yourself in danger to obtain information.
If you are reporting a medical emergency be prepared to answer certain questions about the patient. This information will help the dispatcher send the appropriate emergency equipment. Be prepared to receive instructions to assist with the medical emergency before the paramedics arrive.
