The Telecommunicator will ask you a series of basic questions:

• Address/Location
• Phone Number
• Name
• Exact Nature of the Emergency

Once these questions have been answered, more detailed questions will be asked to ensure all details regarding the situation are obtained. It’s the goal of the RED Center to ensure a quick and safe response to the emergency, and answering these questions will assist in the proper response.

Why does 9-1-1 ask so many questions?

The Telecommunicator may only have one opportunity to gather information about the emergency. Therefore it is important to get as much information as possible. Address verification and a call back number are crucial. Also, based on your answers to questions, a more appropriate dispatch of emergency personnel may be provided.

Emergency Medical Dispatching

The APCO Institute Emergency Medical Dispatch, or EMD Program, based on guide cards and software, is a systematic way to manage emergency medical service (EMS) resources in an organized and effective manner and to provide medical assistance to callers, when needed, until medically trained field response units arrive at the scene.

APCO’s EMD certification and implementation means our dispatchers have achieved one of the highest levels of training in our profession. This comprehensive program will enhance the already high level of service we provide to the communities we serve.