FAQs • Westfield, MA • CivicEngage

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Why do I have to answer so many questions for medical calls?: Our Emergency Telecommunicators use a comprehensive Emergency Medical Dispatch Program to determine the exact emergency, send the most appropriate resources, and provide pre-arrival medical instructions before the ambulance arrives. We can help the caller initiate immediate medical care as the ambulance is responding, including bleeding control, CPR and baby delivery.

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Public Safety Communications Center

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1. When should I call 9-1-1?: 9-1-1 is for Life Threatening Police, Fire or Medical Emergencies ONLY. Some examples include a crime in progress, building fire, and someone having a heart attack.

2. When should I NOT call 9-1-1?: For routine, non-emergency situations that do not require immediate assistance. Some examples include calling for a copy of an already filed police inquiry, phone number, parade times, etc. Utilize local web site resources including Mass 2-1-1 for general information requests.

3. Why do I have to answer so many questions for medical calls?: Our Emergency Telecommunicators use a comprehensive Emergency Medical Dispatch Program to determine the exact emergency, send the most appropriate resources, and provide pre-arrival medical instructions before the ambulance arrives. We can help the caller initiate immediate medical care as the ambulance is responding, including bleeding control, CPR and baby delivery.

4. What happens when I dial 9-1-1?: When calling from a traditional land line phone in Westfield, your call will be routed directly into our 9-1-1 Center. If you dial 9-1-1 from a cell phone, the call is routed by cell tower location information to the 9-1-1 center you are physically located at the moment.