cell phone and 911

9-1-1 WIRELESS EMERGENCY CALLS

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Speak slowly and clearly. Be prepared to provide the following information:

1. Name: Provide YOUR name.
2. Phone number of the cell phone.
3. Location from where you're calling.
    - Be as specific as you can.
4. Nature of the emergency.
5. Injury?
    - Severity?
    - Where is the injured person?
    - Is the injured person concious?
    - Is the injured person bleeding?
       From where and how badly?

6. Stay on the line as long as possible and answer the call receivers questions. REMEMBER, as you answer the questions, help is being dispatched by another member of our team. The responding agency can assist you faster if you answer the questions as thoroughly and accurately as possible.

WHO WILL I REACH?

Wireless phone service may not be available in all areas. If service is available, your 9-1-1 call for help will be picked up by the nearest cellular tower in the most direct line of sight to your location. It could be picked up by CENCOM, the Washington State Patrol, King County or even by the Canadian authorities. Since these call answering centers are all located outside the boundaries of CENCOM's calling area, they would have no way of knowing from where you are calling unless you tell them. Be prepared to provide your location.

REMEMBER TO:

Start out with a fresh, fully charged battery.
Be prepared to give complete information about the nature of the emergency. You may only be able to make one call. Turn the telephone off when not in use.

BE SURE YOU KNOW:

Your wireless phone number, including area code.
Know how your wireless phone works. Instruct everyone in your party how to use the phone.
How to increase your signal strength, to include pointing the antenna up; finding a clearing; gaining elevation and turning your body - you may be obstructing the signal

PRESS RELEASE: January 2003: 911 Centers soon to recognize wireless phone numbers

December 2003: Wireless 9-1-1 Call. In An Emergency Can You Be Found?