EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

FRANKLIN COUNTY

frequently asked questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

QUESTION:  When should I call 9-1-1?

 

ANSWER:  9-1-1 should only be used in emergency situations.  An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, the fire department or an ambulance.  If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency you should call 9-1-1.  It is better to be safe and let 9-1-1 personnel determine if you need emergency assistance.

 

 

QUESTION:  If the person who answers my 9-1-1 call already has my phone number and address on their computer screen, why am I still asked to provide that information?

 

ANSWER:  The telephone number and address of every call to 9-1-1 must be confirmed.  Enhanced 9-1-1 is a wonderful tool, but life or death situations are much too important to rely on a computer database being 100% accurate.  Your address and number will be confirmed every time you connect to a 9-1-1 center to make sure the information is correct.  If it is not, the phone company will be notified to update or correct the discrepancy.

Other reasons callers are asked to confirm location and phone number is because the emergency could be in another location.  More time is wasted by sending units to the wrong locations.  The few additional seconds needed to confirm the information and "get it right" are well spent in obtaining critical information.

 

 

QUESTION:  Why do people who answer the phone ask so many questions instead of just sending help?

 

ANSWER:  The dispatchers are trained to ask various questions pertaining to whatever is being reported to help the dispatcher determine what type of units will respond and how they will respond.  Asking questions does not slow down the response.  Usually emergency calls are being dispatched by the other operator while the call taker is still on the phone with the caller.

 

 

QUESTION:  Why do I get asked so many questions when I call for an ambulance?

 

ANSWER:  Franklin County has a program in place called Emergency Medical Dispatching or EMD.  Through a series of medical questions the dispatcher is able to determine the severity of the medical condition.  Based on the answers to the questions, the proper level of care and response mode is determined.  Also with this system the dispatcher is able to provide medical instruction such as CPR or controlling bleeding to the caller.

 

 

QUESTION:  Why do I get a fire truck when I call for an ambulance?

 

ANSWER:  Fire department personnel are trained as first responders for medical emergencies.  Depending on the situation and location, the fire department or police may be sent to make sure that some help or treatment can be administered before the paramedics arrive.

 

 

QUESTION:  What do I need to do to be of assistance to the 9-1-1 dispatcher?

 

ANSWER:  Remain as calm as possible, listen to the questions, speak clearly and slowly, and listen to all instructions being given by the dispatcher.

 

 

QUESTION:  On medical calls, what can I do until help arrives?
 

ANSWER:  There are a few things you can do to help the sick or injured person (s) while you are waiting for help to arrive:

  1. Stay calm and reassure the patient that help is on the way.

  2. Do what the 9-1-1 dispatcher tells you to do.  You may also be instructed over the phone to perform some basic life-saving skills that you can initiate while rescue personnel are en route.

  3. Make the patient as comfortable as possible, but don't place anything underneath their head, like a pillow, to make them more comfortable.  This could cause further injury.  Never move the patient unless they are in danger where they are.

  4. Try and secure any pets so they do not get away or interfere with any Fire/Police/EMS personnel.

  5. Secure the patient's medicine and place them in a paper bag for the Paramedics to have and later transport to the hospital.

  6. Have someone available to direct the rescue personnel to the patient.

 

QUESTION:  How do I test my phone to make sure you have my information correct?

 

ANSWER:  Simply call the center in advance at 785.242.3800 and ask if you can try a 911 test call.  The dispatcher will have you call 911 from your phone and check the information with you.

 

 

QUESTION:  What should I do if I accidentally dial 9-1-1?

 

ANSWER:  If this happens, don't hang up.  Please stay on the line until we answer and can verify that it was a misdial.  If you hang up, we are mandated to send a law enforcement officer to your residence to investigate the incident.

 

 

QUESTION:  How do I find out about road conditions?

 

ANSWER:  The State of Kansas has created a quick dial number which provides this information.  Just dial 511 from your phone and follow the directions.

 

 

QUESTION:  Who do I call to find out about school closings?

 

ANSWER:  Check with your local TV and radio stations.  These are the 1st entities notified in case of a school closing.  The 911 center is not notified.

 

 

QUESTION:  Can you tell me if there is a warrant for my arrest?

 

ANSWER:  No.  We cannot verify your true identity over the phone therefore we cannot provide private information.  You must go to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, provide them with your name and photo ID and they can provide you with the information.

 

 

QUESTION:  If I report a crime, do I have to give my name?

 

ANSWER:  It is not required that you provide your name; however, it is best if we have your name and phone number so you can be reached in case we should need to call you back for more information.  If you wish to report a crime or have information about a crime and want to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers of Franklin County @ 1.888.311-TIPS or 1.888.311.8477.

 

 

QUESTION:  How do I get a copy of my driving record?

 

ANSWER:  The State of Kansas has a procedure for obtaining your driver's license record.  You may go to the Kansas Department of Revenue's web site for further information by following this link: http://www.ksrevenue.org/faqs-dmvdc.htm

 

 

QUESTION:  Why do the tornado sirens go off on most Monday's around noon?

 

ANSWER:  In order to assure the reliability of the tornado/national emergency sirens, and thus increasing the safety of our citizens, the FCECC tests the tornado sirens every Monday at noon.  If the weather appears to be stormy, we will NOT test the sirens that week.  The sirens are tested manually by the dispatchers and depending upon how busy they are, the sirens may sound a few minutes earlier or later than noon.  If the siren near your home does not go off, you should call the utility department of your local city.