Good to know 10-digit PD number for when you can't get through to 911.

[dclamp]

Are you a 911 operator?

Yes.

I believe that part of the reason they ask for details etc is just to keep you on the phone and talking. That might sound odd but in most emergencies this is actually desirable because it keeps you calm and focussed. And in the case of you phoning in an injury to yourself (for example) it also helps keep you concious and stops you going into shock. Of course, just taking your address isn't going to keep you engaged for long enough for an ambulance to arrive but it does get the dialogue rolling. I don't know if that's actually true but I've heard it from more than one source.

Depending on what you are reporting, yeah they want to keep you on the line for as long as they can. If you are alone and reporting a medical emergency they will keep you on the line because you are the only one there, and the dispatcher wont know whats going on if they hang up. And if it gets worse you might not be able to call back.

If someone is calling in a medical emergency about someone they are with, they will get all the relavent information they can and then hang up. Since there is someone else there, that person can call back and report any changes.

If its a dangerous situation (active shooter, robbery, domestic violence) they will take all the information as soon as possible and either keep talking to you to keep you calm, or not say anything. The dispatcher will often ask the caller to leave the phone off the hook so the dispatcher can listen for any changes and not compromise the life of the caller (if the caller needs to leave or run out).

If it is a child calling then the dispatcher will stay on the line with them as long as possible until help gets there. After they get the important information like address and whats going on, they will talk about things that children can relate to so it distracts the child.

And of course they check your address and details if you're able to give it. Why would they pass up an opportunity to trivially build redundancy into the system? That doesn't mean they'll fold their arms and ignore your call if you're unable to speak, though.

And Yes. If for some reason you call in and your address is incorrect the dispatcher can submit and update and keep the system up to date.

Another huge reason that we ask for address is because of VoIP phones. If you live in california and you register your phone at 123 Main Street California. And you take your phone on vacation to NY. 911 will still direct to the 911 call center at your address in CA, and the display will show your address in CA.

So if the dispatcher doesnt ask your address and you are reporting medical problem in your house. Fire Dept shows up to your CA house, you dont answer. Then they bust down your door, you're not there.