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Why do you ask so many questions when I call 911?
When a call is received on 911, it is the dispatchers responsibility to get as much information from the caller as possible. The most important questions are location of emergency, phone number you're calling from, and your name. These questions are essential in case the call is lost. The next series of question pertain to the type of emergency, what happened, and who is hurt. For a police incident we need to know what is going on, how many people are involved if it's a fight or a domestic. If any weapons are involved, and which way the person may have run. For a medical call, we need to know what is going on with the patient in case it's something we can help the caller with such as CPR. If it's a motor vehicle accident we need to know how many people are injured, if they are entrapped, how many cars are involved, what type of vehicles are involved. For a fire, we need to know what is burning, if everyone is out of the building, how much is burning and any special directions.
How do I call in a controlled burn?
The non-emergency number for the 911 center is 570-265-9101. Please do not call 911 to report a controlled burn. We will need to know the name of the residence, the address of the burn, the township you're located in, and the call back phone number.
What is that "beep" I hear after the tones are set off?
The "beep" resets clears the air between two sets of tones. Pagers wait to receive an A tone and a B tone in order to trip. Without that beep between the two sets of tones, the next set of A and B tones to be sent out may create a new set of tones.
What is the proper way to call another unit on the radio?
When calling another radio, you should always say the name of the unit you're calling first, followed by your call sign. One way to remember is the saying, "Hey you, it's me" So if you are Towanda 1 and you want to call Bradford County, you would say "Bradford County, Towanda 1" .
What are MDC codes that I'm hearing about?
MDC codes are part of the programming of a radio. It's sets a digital identifier in the radio so when it's keyed up, there's an identifier telling the dispatchers who is calling. With this code we will be able to identify who may have an open mic or who may be abusing a radio.
Why don't I get answered right away when I call on the radio?
You may not be the only one calling at that time. Remember, the dispatchers answer numerous 911 lines, individual police lines, also lines for the sheriff department, CYS, Red Cross, etc. Plus answering radio traffic for police, fire, EMS, EMA, etc. The dispatcher may have heard you, they just didn't have a free hand to answer you.
Why don't I get acknowledged when I respond?
The standard operating procedure for any units responding is to acknowledge the Chief officers, the units responding, and the first unit on scene. You can say you're responding and it is recorded if needed later on, but please don't keep calling to be acknowledged. The dispatcher may be too busy to answer every person calling.
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