Location, Location, LOCATION!

Location First. Life Story Later.

Part One of the Location, Location, LOCATION! series

Can We Skip the Pleasantries and Get to the Point?

Fellow dispatchers, tell me I’m not alone on this one.

There should be a universal rule: If fire, EMS, or police are needed, pleasantries are not.

I appreciate good manners as much as the next person. Quite frankly, the world is lacking them these days.

A friendly greeting, a little small talk (I’m not much for it, but rock on with ya bad self), asking how someone’s day is going. All normal, everyday things. But in an emergency? You have my full permission to skip the pleasantries.

You don’t have to ask how my day is going. We both know you didn’t call because you were dying to hear about my day. And honestly, I know if your day were going any better, you probably wouldn’t be calling me in the first place.

Tell me where and what’s happening.

Why Location Comes First

Here’s something I wish more people understood: at my communications center, the moment we have a usable location, we can create a call for service. Officers can see where they’re needed and begin heading in that direction while we continue gathering information.

So while you’re explaining how your neighbor’s cousin’s ex-boyfriend started this whole situation eight days ago, I’m still trying to figure out where to send someone.

I want to get someone headed your way just as much as you want them there.

Also, screaming “JUST GET SOMEONE HERE NOW!” doesn’t teleport someone.

Many of us wish it did. It would actually save A LOT of time.

But unfortunately, teleportation hasn’t made its way into emergency services yet. So until then, we’re going to need a location.

Location first. Life story later.

Where You Are Isn’t Always Where Help Is Needed

Here’s another important detail: Your location isn’t always where the emergency is happening.

Maybe you’re calling about a crash you just passed. Maybe you’re at work and your family member is having an emergency at home.

We need to know where the person who needs help is located, not just where you’re calling from.

Your location might matter too, but getting responders headed to the right place is the priority.

What If You Don’t Know Where You Are?

Call anyway. Please.

You don’t have to solve the mystery of your own whereabouts before asking for help.

Tell us what you can see, what road you were on, or the last place you remember passing. A street sign, nearby business, intersection, or recognizable landmark might help us narrow things down.

We’ll ask questions and work with whatever information you have.

And if you’re frightened, overwhelmed, or unsure of the answers, that’s okay. We understand that emergencies aren’t exactly known for bringing out everyone’s calmest, most organized thoughts.

Just stay with us and answer what you can.

One Last Thing Before You Go

Behind every headset is a human being trying to help another human being through what might be one of the worst days of their life.

We don’t need perfect callers. We need communication, patience, and enough information to get help moving.

And preferably an address that exists.

Tell us where. Tell us what’s happening. We’ll take it from there.

Location first. Life story later.

— Lucky Me

Let’s Hear From You! ❤️

Dispatchers: What’s one thing you wish callers understood about why location comes first?

Everyone else: Have you ever wondered why dispatchers ask certain questions before sending help?

Let’s talk in the comments. Just remember to leave out identifying details about actual calls.