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Health & Fitness

When should I call 9-1-1?

When should I call 9-1-1?

The 9-1-1 Rules You Need To Know

 Dial 9-1-1 only for an emergency. 

 An emergency is:

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 Any serious medical problem (chest pain, seizure, bleeding)
Any type of fire (business, car, building)

Any life-threatening situation (fights, person with weapons, etc.)
Any crime in progress (whether or not a life is threatened).

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 Dial 650-616-7100 for non-emergencies

 Dial the San Bruno’s listed seven-digit telephone number (650-616-7100) for non-emergencies.

 Non-emergency incidents include "cold" (not in progress) break-ins to vehicles, theft of property or vandalism. You should also use the non-emergency telephone number for intoxicated persons who are not disorderly, cars blocking the street or driveway, or non-injury auto accidents.

 If you dialed 9-1-1 in error, DO NOT hang up the telephone

 Instead, stay on the phone and explain to the dispatcher that you dialed by mistake and that you do not have an emergency. If you hang up, two police officers must be dispatched to the caller's address. This will needlessly take resources away from genuine emergencies.

 When the dispatcher answers, briefly describe the type of incident you are reporting

 For example, "I'm reporting an auto fire," or "I'm reporting a shoplifter." Then stay on the line with the dispatcher; do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you. In some cases, the dispatcher will keep you on the line while the emergency units are responding to ask additional questions or to obtain ongoing information.

What information does the Dispatcher need?

CRITICAL INFORMATION THE DISPATCHER NEEDS TO KNOW:

  • WHAT'S THE EMERGENCY? What's wrong?
  • WHERE IS THE EMERGENCY? Give the address; include building number, apartment number, nearest cross street. The name of the building is also helpful.
  • WHO NEEDS HELP? Age / number of people.

Let the call-taker ask you questions

 Dispatchers have been trained to ask questions that will prioritize the incident, locate it and dispatch an appropriate response. Your answers should be brief and responsive. Remain calm and speak clearly. If you are not in a position to give full answers to the call-taker (the suspect is nearby), stay on the phone and the dispatcher will ask you questions that can be answered "yes" or "no.

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