Is there an immediate need for Fire, Police or Medical units?  If you answer yes  to this question, dial 9-1-1.  If any medical assistance is needed, dial 9-1-1.  If you feel there is a threat to your safety or the safety of others, dial 9-1-1.  If property is being damaged or threatened, dial 9-1-1.  If you are in doubt whether your need is an emergency, dial 9-1-1!     WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!

During your life there may be several times you will need to access 911 for emergency assistance.  When you call 9-1-1, respond as accurately as possible to the Call Taker's questions.   A Dispatcher will convey your answers to the responders to better prepare them to respond quickly to your emergency.  While it may be frustrating to answer all the questions, these questions and your answers are the first in many steps that are needed to help you.

WHERE IS YOUR EMERGENCY?

When you call 9-1-1, the Call Taker will first of all determine the exact location of the emergency.  SIRCOMM dispatches for multiple agencies within Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, and Twin Falls counties.  It is the Call Taker's responsibility to identify as closely as possible exactly where help is needed.  If we don't know where the problem is, we can't send help. 

WHAT IS YOUR EMERGENCY?

Once the location of your emergency has been determined, the Call Taker will ask a series of questions to ascertain the exact nature of the emergency and the type of response that is needed, i.e., law enforcement, fire suppression, emergency medical assistance, public works, or a combination of services. Once the location and type of emergency has been determined, the information gathered by the 911 Call Taker will be transferred to the appropriate Dispatcher for immediate broadcast to the necessary responders. Oftentimes, depending upon the call load,  the Call Taker will be gathering information while another Dispatcher is dispatching help. 

WHO IS INVOLVED?

The Call Taker will usually ask your name and your call back number or confirm the information provided by our computer system should we lose contact with you or such information is advantageous for investigative purposes. If you are reporting a crime, a series of questions will be asked to gather a description of the suspect or suspects, vehicles involved, direction of travel, etc., to increase the likelihood of apprehension. 

WHEN DID THIS OCCUR?

Depending upon the emergency, the Call Taker may ask when the emergency occurred to determine the amount of time elapsed.  Again, such information further assists responders in determining the nature of their approach and the level of danger at the scene of the emergency.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

The Call Taker will ask further questions to determine whether the cause of the emergency is accidental or a crime may have been committed.  Such information assists the dispatcher in determining the type of response needed and necessary precautions for the person reporting the emergency and those approaching the scene.

ARE WEAPONS INVOLVED?

Obviously, if weapons are involved the caller and the responders may be in danger.  Such information is imperative  for the safety of all involved

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