What is 9-1-1?

Nine-one-one is the number most people in the U.S. and some in International countries call to get help in a police, fire or medical emergency. A 9-1-1 call goes over dedicated phone lines to the 9-1-1 answering point closest to the caller, and trained personnel then send the emergency help needed.

 

What is Enhanced 9-1-1?

Enhanced 9-1-1, or E9-1-1, is a system which routes an emergency call to the 9-1-1 center closest to the caller, AND automatically displays the caller’s phone number and address. The 9-1-1 call taker will typically ask the caller to verify the information, which appears on his or her computer screen. Enhanced 9-1-1 is currently not available from all cell phone companies.

 

Does it cost money to call 9-1-1?

Roscommon County 9-1-1 operates on a voter approved millage. There is no per-call charge for calling 9-1-1. However, EMS/ambulances dispatched through 9-1-1 may charge for taking someone to the hospital; this is a separate ambulance charge, not a 9-1-1 charge.  You also do not need money to call 9-1-1 from a pay-phone.

 

When should you use 9-1-1?

Nine-one-one is only to be used in emergency situations. An emergency is any situation that requires

immediate assistance from the police/sheriff, the fire department or an ambulance. If you are ever in

doubt of whether a situation is an emergency you should call 9-1-1. It’s better to be safe and let the

9-1-1 call taker determine if you need emergency assistance.

Do not call 9-1-1:

• for information

• for directory assistance

• when you’re bored and just want to talk

• for paying tickets

• for your pet

• as a prank

If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, do not hang up. Tell the call taker what happened so they know there really isn’t an emergency.

 

What about 9-1-1 prank calls?

It’s a prank call when someone calls 9-1-1 for a joke, or calls 9-1-1 and hangs up. Prank calls not onlywaste time and money, but can also be dangerous. If 9-1-1 lines or call takers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. In most places, it’s against the law to make prank 9-1-1 calls.

 

How do you make a 9-1-1 call?

• In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 on your phone. It’s a free call. You can use any kind of phone: push

button, rotary, cellular/wireless, cordless, or pay phone. (With some pay phones, you may need

coins to get a dial tone; with many wireless phones, Enhanced 9-1-1 does not yet work.)

• Stay calm and state your emergency

• Speak loudly and clearly. Give the 9-1-1 call taker your name, phone number and the address

where help is needed.

• Answer the call taker’s questions. Stay on the telephone if it’s safe to do so, and don’t hang up

until the call taker tells you to.

 

What if a 9-1-1 caller doesn’t speak English?

When necessary, a 9-1-1 call taker can add an interpreter from an outside service to the line. A non-

English speaking caller may hear a short conversation in English and some clicking sounds as the

interpreter is added to the line.

 

What if a 9-1-1 caller is Deaf, or hearing/speech impaired?

Communications centers that answer 9-1-1 calls have special text telephones for responding to 9-1-1

calls from Deaf or hearing/speech impaired callers.

• If a caller uses a TTY/TDD, the caller should:

• Stay calm, place the phone receiver in the TTY, dial 9-1-1.

• After the call is answered, press the TTY keys several times. This may help shorten the time

necessary to respond to the call.

• Give the call taker time to connect their TTY. If necessary, press the TTY keys again. The 9-1-1

call taker should answer and type “GA” for Go Ahead.

• Tell what is needed-police, fire department, or ambulance. Give your name, phone number and

the address where help is needed.

• Stay on the telephone if it is safe. Answer the call taker’s questions.If a Deaf or hearing/speech impaired caller doesn’t have a TTY/TDD, the caller should call 9-1-1 and don’t hang up.   Not hanging up leaves the line open. With most 9-1-1 calls, the caller’s address is displayed on the call taker’s screen and help will be sent.