Why do Telecommunicators ask so many questions ?
The people who answer your phone calls are trained in handling emergency situations and sending out the appropriate personnel. As soon as the basic information of where and what is going on is obtained, units are sent on the way, but more information may be needed. (DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE WE ARE ASKING MORE QUESTIONS, HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY, HELP IS DISPATCHED AS SOON AS WE KNOW THE PROBLEM, WE DO NOT HAVE TO HANG UP TO SEND HELP) For example, if your call is about a break in that is in progress, you might be asked how many people there were, if they had any weapons, what they looked like, and if they are leaving and in which direction. ALL QUESTIONS ARE IMPORTANT and your giving the correct information can make a big difference on the outcome of the situation. Also, even though Midwest City works on Enhanced 911, the database information is not always correct – your phone number and address will be verified and we may call you back if we need more information.
The 911 Telecommunicators are trained to gather as much information as possible to best determine the location of an emergency, its nature, and its seriousness. The questions asked are for the safety of all people involved in the emergency, including you. This information will help Police, Fire, or Ambulance personnel perform their jobs more efficiently. In an emergency, our Computer Aided Dispatch system enables another Telecommunicator to relay the information to police or fire units as the information is being gathered. Your call is not being delayed by the questions so provide as much information as you can. Usually emergency responders are already on the way while a Telecommunicator is asking for additional information. Quite often responding personnel will ask for the additional information while in route to your location. Remember that just because we are still on the phone with you does not mean that help is being delayed.
