Why do dispatchers ask so many questions?
Dispatchers ask for pertinent information first – address, type of call, name of caller or those involved. Once the initial information is obtained, additional questions may be asked depending on the type of call. The questioning will not slow down the dispatching of the appropriate assistance. In emergency cases, this information is relayed immediately to field units so they may begin responding to the incident, while the dispatcher remains on the phone to obtain further details that are also relayed to the responding units as it is gathered, in real time. The dispatcher will further assist callers requesting medical assistance by giving emergency medical instructions to them on how to administer life saving techniques such as CPR, delivering a baby, or other medical emergencies.

Show All Answers

1. How does an emergency call work?
2. When should you call 911?
3. How can callers help the 911 dispatchers?
4. What number do I call for non-emergency assistance?
5. Why do dispatchers ask so many questions?
6. What should I do if I call 911 by mistake?
7. Who does the center dispatch?
8. Can the center communicate with the speech-impaired and hearing-impaired?
9. Can I call 911 from a pay phone?
10. Can I call 911 from a cellular phone?
11. I speak a foreign language. Can the 911 center communicate with me during an emergency?
12. Can I send a text to 911?