When should I call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 should only be used when there is a life-threatening emergency.  This could be a medical, fire, or police emergency.  If there is any danger to someone's life or a situation where a person could be hurt or injured, call 9-1-1.  It is best to use 9-1-1 in all emergency medical situations.  If you simply want an ambulance for a non-emergency trip to the hospital, you should call an ambulance transfer service. 

What is the non-emergency number to the fire department dispatch office (RCD)?

If you need to reach the dispatch center for a non-emergency event or question, call 479-636-1234.  The fire department headquarters can be reached at 479-621-1179 during normal business hours. 

Because of the wide variety of emergencies, dispatchers must ask a standard set of questions to dispatch the proper resources to emergencies.  You will always be asked the following:

1) What is the address of the emergency?

2) What is the telephone number you are calling me from?

3) Okay, tell me exactly what happened?

After that questioning will be directed to the specific event you are reported (police, fire, or medical).

Emergency  dispatchers ask questions based on protocols that help determine what's wrong and how many responders need to go.  These standard questions help ensure consistency among dispatcher and ensure that our citizens receive the best possible service from our 9-1-1 center.  Our dispatchers use a Computer Aided Dispatch System (CADS) to enter answers from their wide variety of questions.  This information is automatically passed along to emergency responders.  By answering an emergency dispatcher's questions you are helping to guarantee you get the best possible response. 

For medical calls, dispatchers will ask questions that allow them to provide callers instructions over the phone.  Dispatchers can help provide life saving information such as CPR, bleeding control, etc. 

Many people have trouble determining when something is an emergency.  However, making an early call to 9-1-1 can be the difference between life and death.  Never be afraid of dialing 9-1-1 because of uncertainty.  If you suspect that someone is having a medical emergency or that something is on fire, dial 9-1-1 immediately and let the dispatch center get help on the way.  Examples of situations that you should call 9-1-1 for:

Reaction from a bee sting or other bite

Anyone having trouble breathing

The smell of smoke inside your house

Sparks coming from an electric socket

A seizure

Burns that cover an area larger then your fist

An traumatic injury or fall

Leaking chemicals from tanker trucks or containers

Bleeding you cannot quickly control

Anyone choking or gasping for air

Unconscious or fainting victims

Chest pains, "dull pressure" in the chest, or any pain near the chest - even if it stops!

Paralysis, slurred speech, sudden onset headaches or any signs of stroke

Car accidents with injury

What happens when I call 9-1-1?

When you call 9-1-1, an RCD dispatch will answer and determine your location, phone number, and the type of emergency.  Dispatchers are trained to ask a variety of questions in a certain order.  Be ready to help dispatchers by speaking clearly and giving any pertinent information they request.  In the event you are reporting a medical emergency, dispatchers may provide you instructions on how to do CPR, help a choking victim, or stop bleeding.  Even while you are on the phone, help is being sent.  Do not argue with dispatchers or become rude.  Every question being asked is important and, oftentimes the dispatchers cannot move forward with a call until certain information is obtained and verified.  Do not hang up on the RCD dispatcher until they tell you it is okay.