Recreation, Culture & Social Support Services
9-1-1 Calls
The Regional Emergency Services Communications Branch answers all 9-1-1 calls within the Municipality. If the caller requires help from the police, the call will be transferred to the RCMP communications centre. If the caller requires fire response or medical response, the Communications Branch Emergency Dispatcher will dispatch the required services appropriately.
Know what’s going on before you call
If you are witness to a car accident or another emergency situation, be sure to assess the emergency before you call.
A Dispatcher will ask you a number of questions pertaining to the emergency. Be ready to give answers. Phoning 9-1-1 as you drive by an accident is of some help. If you stop, ask bystanders if 9-1-1 has already been called. If not, try to assess the condition of each person and then phone 9-1-1.
Not every bystander needs to phone 9-1-1 regarding the same incident. Make sure that the call has been made and if it hasn’t, make the call. Taking a few moments to properly assess the situation can speed up emergency personnel’s arrival times and help ensure those involved receive the quickest care possible.
Questions you will be asked
What you need to know, before you call:
- What is the address of the emergency?
- What is the phone number you’re calling from?
- Try to call from a landline if possible, so dispatchers can call back if they need to.
- What’s the problem?
- Try and be as descriptive as possible
If the problem is medically related:
- How old is he/she?
- If you are unsure of the age, please make an educated guess.
- Is he/she conscious, semi-conscious or unconscious?
- Is she/ he breathing?
- This is a very important question. If you are not sure, you will be asked to check.
If the problem is fire related:
- Are you safe and out of danger?
- Is everyone else safe and out of danger?
Other Important Information
Additional questions may be asked, depending on the type of emergency. Try to be brief. If you don’t know the answer to a question, simply say that you do not know.
If you have special instructions on how to get into the building or to your location, this should be communicated. Any additional information that you need to share about the emergency can be discussed at this time.
If 9-1-1 is called by accident, do not hang up. Simply tell the Dispatcher that the number was called in error. Please dial carefully.
