06/01/2026
And now the moment I've all been waiting for. You didn't ask, but we're delivering anyway. Take 90 seconds to read about what we love, and yes, we expect you to time yourself.
THE PROCESS OF A 9-1-1 CALL 📞
When you call 9-1-1 in Page County, it is routed to our center in Luray. The 9-1-1 system we use is actually a computer and we are able to see your phone number and location. A small circle (called a plot) will appear on our mapping system with a general location of where you are. Occasionally, we cannot see your exact location due to a glitch in the Matrix, so it's always important that you're able to tell us where you are.
Once the dispatcher has a location an idea of what is happening, they can start to send help. Around here teamwork makes the dream work, so if a coworker isn't busy, the coworker can start sending first responders while the first dispatcher is still asking questions on the 9.-1-1 call. We send units using a radio system.
While the dispatcher is talking to you and first responders, they are documenting everything in a system called the CAD. Once the dispatcher has all of the information they need, or responders arrive to the scene, the dispatcher will disconnect the 9-1-1 call.
Law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, and dispatchers all communicate on their walkies and vehicle (mobile) radios throughout the duration of the incident.
It's important to know that things in the dispatch center are happening simultaneously, not necessarily one thing at a time. We love to take pride in our multi-tasking abilities.
Thank you for coming to our TED talk. It probably took you as long to read this as our average time on a single 9-1-1 call. Let us know your time! ⬇️ Until next month, stay safe out there. 🤙
