Why does 911 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 if the situation allows. 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. For example, a victim injured in a traffic accident that is trapped in a vehicle may elicit a different response from emergency responders than someone who has broken their arm.

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1. What information do I need to provide when I call 911?
2. Why does 911 ask so many questions?
3. Is help being sent while I am answering all the questions being asked by the Telecommunicator?
4. How does the 911 Center know my location when I call from a cell phone?
5. What should I do if I accidentally call 911?
6. What should I teach my child about calling 911?
7. What happens if someone doesn’t speak English?
8. I was trying to make a long distance call from my office and got 911 by mistake, why does this happen?
9. Who pays for 911?
10. What about 911 prank calls?