There are certain things regarding the use of the 9-1-1 system that everyone should know.

They are what might be called Rules for Responsible Citizens.

• Don't call 9-1-1 unless you have an actual emergency.
   
• Remain Calm, (The calmer you are the easier it is to get the information needed.)
   
• If you call 9-1-1 and the dispatcher tells you your call is not of an emergency nature, you may be given another number to call. Don't get upset and try to argue with the dispatcher. Hang up and call the number you have been given.
   
• If your call is an actual emergency stay on the line. Do not get exasperated because you think the dispatcher is asking you a lot of questions and not sending anybody. The dispatcher has already begun to respond the assistance you need. The information he or she is trying to get from you is necessary to your safety and the safety of the responding units, whether they be the police, fire department or an ambulance service.
   
• Teach your children the proper use of the 9-1-1 number and instruct them not to play with the phone. When 9-1-1 is dialed, the address and phone number appear on a screen in the dispatch communications center. If the person dialing hangs up, the dispatchers are required to call the number and check for a emergency situation. If the calls persist they will send a Trrooper to the location from where the call is coming.
   
• Cellular telephones: When you make a 9-1-1 call on a cellular telephone make sure you know where you are calling from. This is extremely critical because the call does not go to the local agency dispatch center. It is routed electronically to the nearest office of the Vermont State Police and knowing your exact location could mean life or death to someone. When you make 9-1-1 calls from a cellular phone while in a vehicle remember that the dispatcher at the other end does not know where you are. The system gives your home address and does not list the area you are driving through.  REMEMBER: KNOWING YOUR LOCATION WHEN MAKING A 9-1-1 CALL FROM A CELLULAR PHONE IS CRITICAL TO THE RESPONSE OF EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT.
   
• If you purchase a new telephone, one that you can program to dial numbers by pressing one button, and you program one of the buttons to dial 9-1-1, then you test it to see if it works, DO NOT HANG UP when the dispatcher picks up the phone. Tell the dispatcher that you just programmed your phone and you were testing it. If you hang up then the dispatcher must call the number on the screen to check for an emergency situation. Usually the dispatcher is quite busy and this will take them away from other calls that must be handled.
   
• Some examples of Medical Emergencies:
• HEART ATTACK
• DIFFICULTY BREATHING
• STROKE
• ELECTRIC SHOCK
• BURNS
• FALLS FROM GREATER THAN 15 FEET
• POISONING OR OVERDOSE
• VEHICLE CRASH WITH INJURIES
• ALTERED LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS
   
• Some examples of non-emergencies:
• LOOSE OR BARKING DOGS
• REQUESTS FOR PERSONAL SERVICES OR ASSISTANCE
• ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES
• REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
• MAKING REPORTS OF CRIMES OR INCIDENTS THAT ARE NOT IN PROGRESS

If your call is not an emergency you could be putting someone's life in danger by calling 9-1-1.