Do you have to be a fast typer to be a 911 operator?

Most 911 telecommunicators are required to type between 30 – 45 WPM without errors. You should know what you’re getting into before applying for a job as a 911 dispatcher. Emergencies don’t sleep and 911 telecommunicators work in shifts.

Why does 911 take so long to answer?

Calls into 911 are taken in the order in which they are received. If you hang up and call back, your call goes to the last in queue, making your wait longer. The Telecommunicator answering your 911 call determines the type of service needed using a proven and efficient interview process.

Why do 911 operators want you to stay on the line?

It’s All About Location When Making an Emergency Call The first priority in the event of a 112, 999, 911 call is getting emergency services to you as promptly as possible. When you stay on the line, it allows the emergency call dispatcher to pinpoint your exact location.

How long should it take 911 to answer?

They use national standards to assess the priority of your call and dispatch emergency services based on your specific needs. The average response time for a 911 call is 10 minutes0. The urgency of these calls varies based on the type of emergency.

What do 911 dispatchers ask?

Why do dispatchers ask so many questions? Dispatchers ask for pertinent information first – address, type of call, name of caller or those involved, and your call back number. Once the initial information is obtained, additional questions may be asked depending on the type of call.

What do you need to know about 9-1-1 calls?

The 9-1-1 call taker will typically ask the caller to verify the information, which appears on his or her computer screen. In most areas, phone number and location information is available for 9-1-1 calls made from a cellular/wireless phone. Who pays for 9-1-1?

What is a prank call 9-1-1?

It’s a prank call when someone calls 9-1-1 for a joke, or calls 9-1-1 and hangs up. Prank calls not only waste time and money, but can also be dangerous. If 9-1-1 lines or call takers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. In most places, it’s against the law to make prank 9-1-1 calls.

How do I call 9-1-1 in an emergency?

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 on your phone. It’s a free call. You can use any kind of phone: push button, rotary, cellular/wireless, cordless, or pay phone. (With some pay phones, you may need coins to get a dial tone; with many wireless phones, Enhanced 9-1-1 does not yet work.)

What is enhanced 9-1-1 and how does it work?

Enhanced 9-1-1, or E9-1-1, is a system which routes an emergency call to the appropriate 9-1-1 answering point (PSAP) for the caller’s location, AND automatically displays the caller’s phone number and address. The 9-1-1 call taker will typically ask the caller to verify the information, which appears on his or her computer screen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeDN1YMol3w