FAQ

I called 911 for a medical issue, and a fire engine came with the ambulance, I didn’t need a fire engine; why did it come?

All medical aid calls get an engine and an ambulance. The main reason for this decision is to get help to you as fast as possible. Often the closest ambulance is farther away from an emergency than the closest engine, and since all engines have Paramedics on them, by sending the closest ambulance AND the closet fire engine, help arrives as soon as possible.

What happens when I call 911?

When 911 is called from a landline, the address of the registered phone number you’re calling from shows up on our screens. When calling from a cell phone we can determine the general vicinity your calling from via GPS or triangulation. If you have the choice, calling 911 from a landline is preferred, but don’t delay your call to find a landline if you have a cell phone available!

North County Dispatch JPA (North Comm) answers approximately 200 emergency calls per day. With that many calls for help usually comes many questions.

Browse below for the answers to the common questions!

Why did the fire engine show up when there was no emergency?

The fire engine is the firefighters tool box. Firefighters don’t like being far away from their tool box should they need a special tool or respond from a public assist to a higher priority medical aid.

Why do they use their noisy sirens sometimes even at night?

Responding units only use the siren when they need to. It’s for the firefighters and publics safety. If you hear a siren nearby, look for emergency vehicles in the area and yield the right of way by pulling to the RIGHT if possible.

Why did the fire engine show up when I just needed help up off the floor?

The fire engine is the firefighters’ mobile toolbox and primary means of responding to emergency calls, therefore it goes on all emergency and non-emergency calls. Many times the engine will get dispatched on an important call right after they finish with yours; if they had to drive back to the station to get their “toolbox” , it would take them longer to arrive at the scene of the next emergency.

Why do you ask for my address when I call 911? Don’t you see it on your screen?

Dispatchers must always verify your address verbally for two reasons. Sometimes the phone company’s database is not updated and the address we see on our screen is incorrect. Other times people call 911 for an emergency at a different location, in which case we enter it manually from your verbal statement.

I live close to the fire station, should I just drive there in case of an emergency?

The first and most important reason you should never do this is because the Firefighters and Paramedics may be away tending to a different emergency. Another reason is that by personally transporting your emergency of any kind, you increase the chances of causing a separate emergency.

Why is my 911 call not answered immediately?

In San Diego County when calling 911 from a cellular phone your call goes to CHP, which is a very busy dispatch center, especially just after a major incident like an earthquake or vegetation fire. You can help alleviate the situation by NOT dialing 911 if you already know that other individuals have previously called for the same emergency.

Why am I asked so many questions? Can’t they just send help right away?

As soon as the dispatcher has verified the address, phone number, and type of emergency, the help is started. All further questions are to update responding units via the on board MDC so they are better prepared to assist you when they arrive at scene. All instructions given to you by the dispatcher is to help you or the patient before they get there.

When should I call 911?

Citizens should call 911 for any emergency, even if it doesn’t seem life-threatening. We are here to help you, If the fire department won’t respond on a certain type of call, the dispatcher will tell you. Calling 911 is a free public service offered to everyone. Remember to NOT call 911 if others you are with have already spoken to a dispatcher or are currently speaking to a dispatcher. Multiple people calling 911 for the same emergency bogs down the entire system and puts potential new emergencies behind everyone else’s call.

Will I be charged?

There is no charge for calling 911, and usually no charge for emergency response. Charges are typically incurred when and if you choose to be transported to the hospital by the ambulance.

P.O. BOX 410 Rancho Santa Fe CA 92067

North County Dispatch JPA

Webmaster: Bejar@ncdjpa.org