FOOTHILLS REGIONAL 911
Who are we?
Before the police, firefighters, or paramedics arrive, Foothills Regional 911 Emergency Communications Specialists are there. As the 'first' of the first responders, our team serve as the critical link between citizens and the emergency help required when they call 911.
In addition to answering your 911 call, Foothills Regional 911 dispatches numerous Fire Departments in the large rural area we service.
When to call us?
Always call 911 when someone's health or safety is at risk. When a life is at stake, 911 is the fastest way to get the help you need.
In the meantime, the 911 Emergency Dispatcher can provide life saving instructions. NEVER try to drive a very sick or injured person to the hospital thinking it will be faster than waiting for an ambulance. In a true emergency, dial 911 and stay on the phone. We need to ask a few questions so we can send you the right help.
Medical emergency:
In a medical emergency, call 911 when:
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Someone’s airway or breathing is compromised
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There is severe or uncontrolled bleeding
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Someone is complaining of chest pain
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Someone is experiencing a change of consciousness
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If you’re not sure if you need an ambulance, it’s better to err on the side of caution
Fire emergency
Call 911 for a fire emergency when:
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You see a fire. Even if the fire is on a stove or outside in an alley or any other place that seems far away from buildings, fire can spread quickly. For any fire that is not contained in a fire pit or a 'controlled burn', 911 is the best place to get help.
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A smoke alarm, carbon monoxide or fire alarm is going off
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You smell smoke or gas
Police emergency
Please call the 911 for police services if you see:
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You see any type of crime in progress. Crimes include driving impaired, assault, domestic violence, painting graffiti, or any crime that is happening now.
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If you are concerned for someone’s safety or well being
Non-emergency calls
Every non-emergency call to 9-1-1 may cause other 9-1-1 callers, who may be experiencing an emergency, to wait at a time when every second counts.
Examples of received non-emergency 9-1-1 calls:
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“I need a tow truck.”
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"The power is out.”
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“What are the highways like?”
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“What time is it?”
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Pocket dial
Every day the Foothills Regional 911 Centre receives anywhere from 50 to 150 hang-up calls or pocket dial calls.
A vast majority of the pocket dials received are from iPhones with the Emergency SOS (Auto Call) turned on. When this feature is on 911 is dialed when the side or top button on your phone is pressed multiple times, this is easily done while the phone is sitting in a cup holder or in someone’s pocket.
We are the 'first' of the first responders, providing a critical link for the community.
We answer all local
9-1-1 calls:
9-1-1 Emergency Dispatchers are trained professionals and know what questions to ask and when to ask them to get the help to you as quickly as possible. Our professionals can offer life-saving assistance, to help you. until further help arrives.
Be prepared to answer a few common questions that will help us assist you faster:
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What is your emergency?
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What is your location?
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General assistance questions
Calling 9-1-1 From a Cellular Phone
When you call from a cell phone, the 911 Emergency Dispatchers cannot find your location as quickly as when you call from a landline.
Know your physical location and tell the 911 Emergency Dispatcher where you are. If you are unsure of your address, provide directions using landmarks.
Do not text or tweet 911. Dial 911 in an emergency.
Text with 9-1-1
Text with 9-1-1
Text with 9-1-1 is now available for anyone needing 911 in the Foothills Regional 911 service area who are deaf, deafened, have hearing loss or speech impairments. Text with 911 allows individuals with communication challenges to communicate with 911 using mobile devices.
How to use Text with 911:
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Individuals who are communication challenged must pre-register their mobile phone number by contacting their wireless provider directly.
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Dial 911 when you need 911. A call to 911 must always be placed first before any texting can occur.
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When a 911 call comes from a registered phone, 911 emergency dispatchers are immediately notified and can begin a texting conversation with the caller.
Never hang up on 9-1-1:
Every time a call is placed to 911 and the caller hangs up, we must call the number back to ensure everything is OK.
If there’s no answer, police may be advised. It is quicker to advise us that it was an accidental dial.
We understand misdials happen and appreciate it when you let us know.