[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Calling 911? Know What You Need to Know

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: For more information, contact Public Safety Joint Communications at (573) 874-7400

Calling 911? Know What You Need to Know

COLUMBIA, MO (July 28, 2014) - Boone County Public Safety Joint Communications today reminded residents of what needs to be done when calling 9-1-1. Those calling 911 can help responders by giving emergency telecommunicators the appropriate information about the situation.

"The most important thing to remember when calling 9-1-1 is to remain calm," said PSJC Operations Manager Brian Maydwell. Â "During a crisis, emotions run high, but if the caller remains calm, gives the emergency telecommunicator the proper information, and follows directions, we can better connect the victim with the proper services."

Maydwell offered additional tips for calling 9-1-1:

*Know the location of the emergency

*Be as patient as possible as the emergency telecommunicator asks you questions

*Briefly describe the type of incident you are reporting

*Let the telecommunicator ask you the questions

*Do not hang up the phone until the telecommunicator instructs you to do so.

While you are on the line, the emergency telecommunicator will ask additional questions or give instructions that will help in that particular emergency. Answering those questions will not delay emergency response, but in fact assist the emergency responders, who are simultaneously dispatched by another telecommunicator.

Maydwell reminded residents that when they call 9-1-1 to NOT hang up until they have spoken to the telecommunicator. Hanging up before contact will only tie up the phone line and a telecommunicator until contact can be reestablished with the caller.

In addition, those that call 9-1-1 by mistake are reminded to not hang up the phone, and let the telecommunicator know it was an accidental misdial. If an operator cannot contact someone at number from which the call was placed, police will be dispatched to the location of the call. 


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