When should I call 9-1-1?

Anything that has just occurred or is still in progress that could be life threatening. You should call if you have a medical emergency in which someone needs an ambulance, a fire or any incident which has injuries or unknown injuries would be a reason to call.

How does a 9-1-1 call get to the right place?

Telephone computers are set up to identify the location where the 9-1-1 call originated and automatically route it to the correct 9-1-1 dispatch center for the geographic location.

How does Enhanced 9-1-1 work?

Special computers and monitors display the location and phone number where the 9-1-1 call originated, if dialed from a home telephone. (not a cellular phone)

What about 9-1-1 calls from businesses?

9-1-1 works the same way from businesses; however, if the business has a private switchboard (PBX), the call may originate from one of several different buildings or floors. An example of this would be a hospital. The information displayed on the 9-1-1 screen will show the location of the switchboard. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will ask the caller for specific location information, such as which building or floor or room.

Can I use my cellular phone to call 9-1-1?

Cellular phones can call 9-1-1 and they are received as either phase 1 or phase 2 calls, depending on the capabilities of the cellular phone carrier. Phase 1 calls display the cell phone tower location and the cell phone number. Phase 2 calls display the cell phone number and the latitude and longitude of the caller within 300 meters, depending on which cell phone carrier you have.  Most cellular phones now have a GPS chip which is accurate within 25 meters. Check with your cell phone carrier to verify your phone capabilities.

You already know my address and phone number so why do you still ask me for it?

Computers are wonderful technology, but they are not infallible. Mistakes can be made so we want to make sure of confirm that the information we are seeing is correct.  Another possibility is that you may be calling from a neighbor’s house but that may not be where help is needed so we want to make sure we are sending help to the correct location.

Why can’t you just send help instead of keeping me on the phone?

In an emergency, you are likely to be highly upset or even frantic. Remember that while you are speaking to the 9-1-1 dispatcher, another dispatcher is already sending the help you need.  Sometimes the 9-1-1 dispatcher will keep you on the phone to calm you until help arrives. If the call is for medical assistance the 9-1-1 dispatcher can give you instructions on how to help the patient, including CPR, instructions for choking, childbirth & controlling bleeding, until help arrives.

What can I do to help 9-1-1 work better?

• Post you house number clearly so emergency responders can find you quickly.

• Don’t call 9-1-1 to report inconveniences such as plumbing problems or to ask for weather reports or other information.

• Don’t use 9-1-1 to play games. False 9-1-1 calls tie up the lines and could prevent a genuine emergency call from getting through.

• Pay attention to you location and your surroundings.

If you have non-emergency issues, questions or comments please call the non-emergency numbers:

St. Joseph County Fire Dispatch-----------574-272-3877

St. Joseph County Police Dispatch--------574-235-9611

South Bend Dispatch--------------------------574-235-9383

Mishawaka Dispatch----------------------------574-258-1678