9-1-1 Frequently asked questions
Why does 9-1-1 ask so many questions?
Our 911 Emergency Dispatchers are required to ask many questions in order to provide responding emergency services agencies an accurate picture of what is going on at your location. In most cases, units are responding while you are speaking with the Dispatcher. Our Emergency Dispatchers are entering information and updates into the CAD incident as we gather the facts from you. All of our Dispatchers are trained in Priority Dispatch ProQa and are certified by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch as Emergency Medical Dispatchers. ProQA uses the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS). It includes Chief Complaint/incident type protocols which help EMDs quickly obtain vital information about patient status and scene conditions. The EMD then uses this information to send the appropriate response configuration as determined by local medical and EMS control. The MPDS also includes Dispatch Life Support treatment sequence protocols covering cardiac arrests, choking, and childbirth. These protocols enable a trained and certified EMD to assist the caller in immediately helping the patient.
Does the time I take answering questions delay the dispatch of emergency units?
No. Once we verify your address, name, telephone number and the basics about what is going on, another Dispatcher in the 911 Communications Center begins dispatching the necessary responders to you.
When will help arrive?
The time it takes for a responder to arrive after your call depends on several factors. All calls are given a priority that is based upon the incident type and whether or not the incident is still in progress. Other factors are weather conditions or how far the responders are from the incident.
Can I text message or instant message Columbia County 9-1-1?
No, not at this time. The Text to 9-1-1 technology is not yet available in Columbia County.
Are there any other telephone lines answered at the 9-1-1 center other than 9-1-1?
Yes. The Columbia County 9-1-1 Center answers sixteen (16) 9-1-1 Emergency lines (6 for Cellular calls, 10 for landline calls), three 7-Digit-Emergency (7-D-E) telephone lines, and two Administrative lines.
If I accidentally call 9-1-1 can I just hang up?
No. You should NEVER hang up after calling 9-1-1, even if you accidentally misdial 9-1-1. We consider every 9-1-1 hang up to be an emergency unless we are able to verify otherwise. We always call 9-1-1 hang up calls back, landline or cellular. When we call back a landline misdial call, if we receive an answering machine, no answer, busy signal, or the person sounds suspicious, then law enforcement is immediately dispatched. In those situations when we are able to reconnect with the caller we determine whether everything is ok.
Should I have my address number posted?
Yes. Although at this time their is no law in Columbia County that mandates you post you address, it is a very good idea to do so. Time is sometimes critical in an emergency. Not having your address number properly posted may result in a delay in emergency services arriving at your address. When you call Columbia County 9-1-1 our Dispatchers are trained to ask as much detail about where you are as possible, such as the color of your home or color of vehicles in your driveway, your closest cross streets on your road, and IF YOUR ADDRESS NUMBER IS POSTED!
Our 911 Emergency Dispatchers are required to ask many questions in order to provide responding emergency services agencies an accurate picture of what is going on at your location. In most cases, units are responding while you are speaking with the Dispatcher. Our Emergency Dispatchers are entering information and updates into the CAD incident as we gather the facts from you. All of our Dispatchers are trained in Priority Dispatch ProQa and are certified by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch as Emergency Medical Dispatchers. ProQA uses the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS). It includes Chief Complaint/incident type protocols which help EMDs quickly obtain vital information about patient status and scene conditions. The EMD then uses this information to send the appropriate response configuration as determined by local medical and EMS control. The MPDS also includes Dispatch Life Support treatment sequence protocols covering cardiac arrests, choking, and childbirth. These protocols enable a trained and certified EMD to assist the caller in immediately helping the patient.
Does the time I take answering questions delay the dispatch of emergency units?
No. Once we verify your address, name, telephone number and the basics about what is going on, another Dispatcher in the 911 Communications Center begins dispatching the necessary responders to you.
When will help arrive?
The time it takes for a responder to arrive after your call depends on several factors. All calls are given a priority that is based upon the incident type and whether or not the incident is still in progress. Other factors are weather conditions or how far the responders are from the incident.
Can I text message or instant message Columbia County 9-1-1?
No, not at this time. The Text to 9-1-1 technology is not yet available in Columbia County.
Are there any other telephone lines answered at the 9-1-1 center other than 9-1-1?
Yes. The Columbia County 9-1-1 Center answers sixteen (16) 9-1-1 Emergency lines (6 for Cellular calls, 10 for landline calls), three 7-Digit-Emergency (7-D-E) telephone lines, and two Administrative lines.
If I accidentally call 9-1-1 can I just hang up?
No. You should NEVER hang up after calling 9-1-1, even if you accidentally misdial 9-1-1. We consider every 9-1-1 hang up to be an emergency unless we are able to verify otherwise. We always call 9-1-1 hang up calls back, landline or cellular. When we call back a landline misdial call, if we receive an answering machine, no answer, busy signal, or the person sounds suspicious, then law enforcement is immediately dispatched. In those situations when we are able to reconnect with the caller we determine whether everything is ok.
Should I have my address number posted?
Yes. Although at this time their is no law in Columbia County that mandates you post you address, it is a very good idea to do so. Time is sometimes critical in an emergency. Not having your address number properly posted may result in a delay in emergency services arriving at your address. When you call Columbia County 9-1-1 our Dispatchers are trained to ask as much detail about where you are as possible, such as the color of your home or color of vehicles in your driveway, your closest cross streets on your road, and IF YOUR ADDRESS NUMBER IS POSTED!
