CALLING 9-1-1

WHEN TO CALL 9-1-1:  In the event of an emergency, calling 9-1-1 should typically be the first priority. (An exception would be if an immediate action could be safely taken that would improve a person’s chances for survival. An example of this would be to remove a child submerged in water.) When calling 9-1-1, be prepared to verify your location. If available, a landline offers advantages over a cell phone as it automatically provides the 9-1-1 operator with the address you are calling from.

Based on the nature of the emergency, the 9-1-1 operator may provide you with instructions for assisting the patient prior to the Fire Department's arrival. This may include direction on how to perform CPR or something as simple as rolling the patient on their side.

Once any pre-arrival instructions are complete, take action that may assist the Fire Department with finding you. This may be turning on a porch light or having someone meet us outside and direct us to the patient’s location. 

WHEN CALLING 9-1-1 FROM A CELL PHONE ON BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, your call may be received by a call center outside of Kitsap County.  For example, if you are calling from Winslow near the ferry terminal, you may get King County 9-1-1, or if you are calling from Fay Bainbridge State Park, you might be connected to Snohomish County's dispatch center.  In order for the most timely and accurate response from emergency personnel, start your 9-1-1 emergency report by telling the operator you are calling from Bainbridge Island.