Emergency Response to Multiple 911 Calls: How They Are Handled and What to Expect

When multiple people call 911 at the same location, the response and handling of these calls can vary depending on how the situation unfolds. Let's explore the various scenarios to understand how emergency crews are dispatched and respond to such incidents.

Scenario 1: Clarified Information from Subsequent Calls

Sometimes, the first caller might provide vague or insufficient information about the location of the emergency. In such cases, a second caller who can provide clear and precise details can expedite the response time. The emergency dispatchers rely on accurate and timely information to direct the nearest and most appropriate response teams. If the second caller offers clear details, the emergency crews can reach the scene more quickly.

However, it's important to note that emergency response times are not solely determined by the number of calls and the clarity of information from the caller. The nature and urgency of the emergency also play a crucial role. If there are multiple similar incidents in the vicinity, the response time can be delayed as the emergency crews need to prioritize calls based on the severity and proximity of each incident.

Scenario 2: Multiple Dispatchs from the Same Location

Emergency crews often have established protocols to handle multiple calls from the same location. For instance, if multiple fire department (FD) incidents occur nearby, the dispatch center might announce “multiple calls” to alert responding crews. In such scenarios, the dispatchers and responding teams are prepared for the additional workload and resources required to handle all the incidents effectively.

Ultimately, the dispatchers aim to allocate the necessary resources to manage all calls effectively. It is common for PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) centers to handle dozens of calls for the same incident, such as a highway accident. Despite multiple calls, the emergency response teams are still dispatched according to the urgency and nature of the emergency.

Scenario 3: Prioritization Based on Emergency Severity

Emergency response is not determined by who called first or how many calls were received. Instead, it is based on the severity and urgency of the emergencies. For example, a minor car accident might generate multiple 911 calls, while a woman screaming for help could be heard by only one person. In this case, the screaming for help would likely be answered by police officers before responding to the minor collision, even if many calls were made about the car accident.

Many departments may not even write collision reports if there are no injuries, advising the parties to move the vehicles, exchange information, and leave. However, if the car accident results in injuries, the emergency response teams will prioritize the medical needs of those involved, regardless of the number of calls received.

In conclusion, while the number of calls and the clarity of information can impact the efficiency of the response, the ultimate goal is to address the most urgent and critical situations first. As a citizen, it's crucial to provide as much detail as possible when making a 911 call to aid the emergency services in their response.