The 911 Sytems
WHAT HAPPENS?
All 911 calls within the North Island 911 jurisdiction are first answered by dispatch operators in the Operations Communications Centre (OCC) in Courtenay, B.C. After identifying your needs (fire, police, or ambulance) the operator will immediately transfer the call to the appropriate unit. Fire dispatch is a North Island 911 Corp. responsibility, so in the event of a fire emergency, the call is transferred to the fire dispatch centre in Campbell River. Police are dispatched directly out of the OCC in Courtenay and are a federal and local responsibility. Ambulance service is dispatched out of Victoria (EHS) and is currently a responsibility of the provincial government (BC Ambulance Service).
When do you use 9-1-1?
Call 9-1-1 only when URGENT police, fire, or ambulance is needed. When you dial 9-1-1, speak slowly and clearly. Wait and listen to the questions you are being asked
What is an Emergency?
Any situation where the safety of people or property is at risk and urgent help is needed
When should 9-1-1 not be used?
9-1-1 is NOT to be used for fun or as a prank call. Every time you call 9-1-1 as a joke, you tie up the line for someone who really needs help. For the same reason to prevent dialing 9-1-1 accidentally, it should not be entered into programmable telephones.
Regular calls to police, fire, or ambulance should not be made by using 9-1-1. If a fire code inspection or fire prevention information is needed, the fire administration phone number should be used. Similarly, if you have a non-emergency police or ambulance matter, use the administration phone number.
