Calling E911

Throughout the nation, "9-1-1" has become the universal number for people to call when they need help from law enforcement, fire and medical personnel in emergency situations.  Although the numbers dialed are always the same, the method, or protocol, for processing an emergency call is different from one PSAP (public safety answering point) or 9-1-1 call center to another.

So, WHAT happens when you dial "9-1-1" from a telephone in Orange County? 

First, let's establish WHEN and HOW to call "9-1-1" in Orange County!

WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP

There is a natural tendency to be self-reliant and independent. Many of us will delay asking for help in hopes we can solve the problem ourselves. Most people will wait at least two minutes before calling - after they have decided to call. Don't worry about whether or not it's important enough to call "9-1-1". If you don't know whether or not to call - MAKE THE CALL! Waiting can be deadly!  If you need assistance at your location from a law enforcement officer, a fireman or a medical technician, and time is of an essence, please don't wait!  Call "9-1-1". 

If you are in Orange County, just pick up the telephone and dial or press ""9-1-1"". Remember, always call it "nine-one-one". If you call it nine-eleven, small children can get confused and actually look for an eleven button on their telephone.pay/coin

In an emergency, always dial "9-1-1".

You can access "9-1-1"from a residential telephone, a cordless telephone, a mobile/cellular telephone, a  phone, or a business telephone.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DIAL 9-1-1 ?

When your call for help is answered, you will be speaking to a highly trained Communications Officer who knows how to handle emergency situations over the telephone. The Communications Officer will want to know the exact nature of your emergency. Even though the Communciations Officer knows from where you are calling, you will be asked where the emergency actually is because you could be calling from a pay phone or a neighbor's house. Remember, it's important to stay on the line and answer all questions.  

If you need additional information about "9-1-1" or want someone to speak to your group about "9-1-1", call our offices in Chester at 845-291-2911. Tours of the Emergency Communications Center are educational and fun for kids of all ages.

Tips for Calling 9-1-1         

REMEMBER ­ "9-1-1" is there whenever you need it. If you're in doubt about whether or not you have an emergency ­ don't wait!

FACT: The Orange County 9-1-1 Center has an "Enhanced 9-1-1 System", which provides immediate information containing the caller's name, address, and telephone number.  If you hang up, the Communications Officer  will call back!

FACT:If the Communications Officer receives a "9-1-1" call and no one is on the phone (either the phone is an "open line" or the caller hangs up), the Communications Officer will attempt to call the telephone number back to determine if there is an emergency.   If no answer is received, the closest available law enforcement agency will be dispatched to investigate the call.

FACT:  All "9-1-1" calls are recorded.  To obtain a copy of a tape from an incident or a 9-1-1 call, you must contact the Orange County Districty Attorney's Office . The 9-1-1  staff cannot authorize or release voice recordings of 9-1-1calls.

FACT:  If your call is related to a medical emergency, you may be asked to perform lifesaving first aid techniques while help is on the way.  The telecommunicators who answer and respond to citizens' calls for emergency assistance have been certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch based upon APCO's criteria.   This requires a prerequisite of CPR and Basic Telecommunicator certifications, or a total of 80 hours of training.  Remember, all of the questions are important and determine what type of assistance may be needed.

FACT:  While one communications officer is asking you questions and providing you with instructions, such as lifesaving first aid techniques or where to go for safety, another communications officer has already been notified of the address and is dispatching equipment and emergency personnel to your location.   Any further information obtained by your answers is then provided to the emergency personnel in their vehicle as they approach the site of the emergency, making them better prepared to handle the situation once they arrive on the scene.

FACT:  There are no "dumb" or "unnecessary" questions!  Please stay calm and answer any question the communications officer may ask of you.  It could save a life -- maybe even yours!