How to Call 9-1-1

Fortunately most are not faced with emergencies very often, but when they do occur, you want help fast. Let the Los Angeles Fire Department teach you how to receive help as fast as possible. Dialing three numbers (9-1-1) is simple to most, however knowing exactly what happens next is unfamiliar to many. Here are some tips:

Firefighter/Dispatchers will ask three important questions in the following order before being able to send the appropriate help to the correct location.

• What is the address of your emergency?
• What is the phone number you are calling from?
• What is wrong?

Stay calm. No doubt the circumstances surrounding your need to dial 9-1-1 is due to an emergency. The dispatcher realizes this and is there to help, but please stay calm. Try taking a deep breath before dialing.  It is a natural instinct for many to insist the 9-1-1 operator to "hurry up", this will not quicken the process, but can hamper it if they have to ask the caller for information several times because he or she could not comprehend what was being said.

Be prepared to answer questions, simply. Rather than explaining to the dispatcher all the surrounding circumstances regarding your emergency, be prepared to answer a series of questions concisely with "yes," "no," or “I don’t know.” This will expedite your getting help.

Let the Fire-dispatcher guide the conversation. They have several tasks to perform and are processing your information into a computer while sending it to the Fire Department personnel responding to your emergency, allowing firefighters to gain a better understanding before arriving on scene. The majority of the time, emergency services are being sent while you are still on the phone line.

Follow all directions. In many cases, the Firefighter/dispatcher will offer pre-arrival instructions that will help ensure the safety of the patient, as well as yourself. Listen carefully, follow each step exactly, and ask for clarification if you don't understand. Lastly, please do not hang up until directed to do so.  

Remember: 311 is a convenient way to get in touch with the City of Los Angeles for non-emergency or routine matters and 511 can be dialed for traffic related information.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department