The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the Winnipeg Police Service are marking National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, which runs from April 8 to 14, by reminding citizens about the proper use of 911 emergency services.
WINNIPEG - April 12, 2012 - The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the Winnipeg Police Service are marking National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, which runs from April 8 to 14, by reminding citizens about the proper use of 911 emergency services.
Things to remember when calling 911:
- Stay focused and remain calm so you can assist both the telecommunicator/communications operator and any patients or bystanders involved in the emergency.
- Answer all of the telecommunicator's questions to the best of your ability. By clearly answering you will help the telecommunicator better understand the emergency situation.
- Help is typically already on the way while you are speaking with the telecommunicator: their questions are not delaying the response.
- Remain on the line until the telecommunicator advises that you can disconnect-do not hang up.
- Be aware that emergency responders are dispatched to emergencies based on priority.
- Citizens who are required to dial an area code for outgoing calls should note that an area code is not required when dialing 911.
When calling 911 it is important to know the following:
- The address of the emergency location. Without this information emergency responders may not be able to respond in a timely manner.
- The phone number you are calling from in case the call is disconnected and the telecommunicator needs to call you back.
- Information on why you need police, fire or ambulance assistance. This information will better help the telecommunicator determine which emergency service should respond to your call.
For more information on the City of Winnipeg's 911Communications Centre and our Communications Operators, visit: winnipeg.ca/fps/Services/Operations/911CallService/default.stm