TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WV ARES BULLETIN NR 09.28 DATE: July 12, 2009
SUBJECT: SHOULD I, OR SHOULDN'T I?
Have you’ve been out shopping or just out in a public place, and had someone comes to you and says "there's been an accident down the road, can you call the Police and an Ambulance?” If so what did you do? If not, what should you do? Should you call it in?
What happens if you call it in and there's nothing there when the proper authorities arrive? What happens if you don't call it in and someone dies? These are questions that only you can answer.
There are many calls requiring response from the proper authorities, only to find there is nothing there upon arrival. This doesn't mean it was a false call. It could be that an incident did occur but was not severe enough for the people to remain on the scene, or left the scene, to find help.
In any case, even if they are just passing through our area always obtain the name of the person requesting the call and either home phone number and/or address. Be sure to get the exact location of the incident and any other pertinent information, (What type of incident, how many involved, and do they need medical assistance as well as Law Enforcement.) If they can give you this information, do not hesitate to make the call.
If you ask for their name and address, and they do not want to give it, or you believe they may be hesitating and thinking of a false name to tell you, see if anyone with them can validate the call.
If you feel it's a real incident, by all means, call it in. However, even if you feel the call may be false, call it in and let the authorities know your suspicions. Let the authorities know if the subject reporting the incident to you, refused to give their name and/or phone, address. The authorities won't hold it against you if they find nothing. On the other hand, the person involved in an actual incident may be very thankful you did what you felt was right.
(This is from a dispatcher’s point of view) (Reprint, with modification of, ARES District 3 Bulletin NR 05.31, by Duane Jones, N8LDM)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
WV ARES District 3 Emergency Coordinator