What Does a 911 Operator Do?
A 911 operator is a specialized type of phone dispatcher who answers calls to emergency services. 911 is the universal emergency services number in the United States; outside the United States, operators may answer calls to emergency services numbers such as 111, 112, or 999. 911 operators are responsible for answering calls to the emergency services phone number and making sure that callers get the services and assistance they need. With a universal emergency phone number, people who need help from the fire department, police force, or ambulance service can call a single number which is easy to remember, rather than having to look up individual phone numbers. Universal numbers are also convenient for travelers who need assistance but may not be familiar with emergency numbers. However, having all emergency services calls routed to 911 means that a skilled operator needs to be available to answer the phone.
