Dialing 9-1-1: To Call or Not to Call

Emergency services may be significantly impacted based on the type of 9-1-1 calls received through our Verdugo Fire Communications Center (VFCC). Our regional dispatch center coordinates 44 fire stations in Area C which includes Monrovia Fire & Rescue.  VFCC has devised a 9-1-1 educational program to advocate awareness among our local communities to help determine appropriate guidelines for 9-1-1 calls.

When should someone call 9-1-1?

• If you see smoke or fire.
• When someone’s life is threatened or in danger.
• When someone faints or collapses.
• When someone has persistent chest pains
• When someone has difficulty breathing.
• When someone has slurred speech or any paralysis.
• When someone’s face is drooping, or when they seem altered, incoherent or confused.
• When there is a traffic collision with an injury.
• Where there are wires down on the ground or street.

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  When you're unsure if you should call 9-1-1, ask yourself this:

• Does the victim’s condition seem to be life-threatening?
• Could moving the person on your own cause further injury?
• Do they need the medical skills or equipment of a paramedic or an emergency medical technician?
• Would the distance or traffic conditions cause significant delay in getting the victim to the emergency room?
• Could their condition worsen and become life-threatening on the way to the emergency room?
• When deciding whether to call 9-1-1, or to drive to the emergency room, remember that the Hospital Emergency Room always treats patients by highest priority first, whether arriving by ambulance or not.
• When you call 9-1-1, it activates a network of highly trained emergency medical workers and firefighters: Their time and expertise is valuable and should not be wasted on non-emergencies.

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When should someone not call 9-1-1?

• When needing transportation to the doctor’s office or to make an appointment with a doctor.
• When needing a medical prescription filled or for lost medication.
• Call your doctor for this situation.
• When seeking treatment for a minor cut or abrasion.
• Call your doctor or go to Urgent Care if needed.
• When someone has cold or flu symptoms.
• Call your doctor for this situation.
• For medical advice.
• Call your health care provider, 9-1-1 will not give any medical advice over the phone.
• When your keys or device fall into the gutter.
• Call the city’s streets department to assist with retrieval.
• When there’s a cat or animal in a tree.
• Place food at the bottom of the tree or call animal control.
• When there’s a power outage.
• To pay a bill.

About Verdugo Fire Communications Center

For more information, view the 9-1-1 PSA video and/or Verdugo Fire Communications Center.