The Five Ws

CALLING 9-1-1

THE FIVE Ws

Remember these questions:

Where, What, Who, When, Why?

When calling 9-1-1 for assistance, these are questions the dispatcher will ask you.

WHERE?   

Where are you? Where is the scene?

WHAT?

What happened?

WHO?

Who’s involved? Is anyone hurt?

WHEN?

When did it happen? Is it going on right now?

WHY?

Follow-up questions

PEOPLE

How many people involved?

Who is involved?

What do they look like?

What are they wearing?

What are they carrying?

WEAPON

Any object can be a weapon if it is used in a threatening manner, or causes death or serious bodily injury.

Name the specific weapon?

Who has the weapon?

Where is the weapon?

WHERE DID THEY GO?

Point of reference.

Directional guide.​

Do stay on the line.

Your call will be answered as soon as possible.

Do have the information available.

Write it down if necessary.

Do let the dispatcher ask the questions.

The dispatcher will determine how to best help you.

Do stay on the line as long as needed.

The dispatcher may need to update information.

Don't hesitate to call 911!

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