Why does it take help so long to get here?

Rest assured, that as soon as we have sufficient information to dispatch help, it is done.


In many cases, such as for police response, calls must be prioritized by the officers according to their department policies and protocols as well as how they feel they can make the best use of manpower and resources at their disposal. Police may not be in the immediate geographical vicinity of you at the time of your call. They must be given time in order to safely travel to the scene.


In the case of EMS calls, there may be circumstances that slow down response times. Potentially dangerous scenes, such as one where an actor with weapons is on scene, or any other such situation, may cause the ambulance company to stage and wait for police arrival before proceeding to the scene in order to ensure the safety of emergency medical personnel.


As far as fire departments, a large percentage of responders in Fayette County do so on a volunteer basis. Not all fire departments are manned 24/7, and many of these responders may have to leave work, get out of bed, or come from farther away to make it to their station and respond to a call. Only the City of Uniontown has a 24/7 paid fire department in the county. Because not all of the stations are manned at all times, you must allow time for these volunteer personnel to make it to the station so that they can respond with the proper fire apparatus and equipment.

Show All Answers

1. When should I call 911?
2. What can I do to ensure the fastest possible response?
3. I accidentally dialed 911. What should I do?
4. Why do you ask so many questions when I call?
5. What if I don't have an emergency, but need to reach a police officer, fire department, or ambulance service?
6. Are there times when it's not appropriate to call 911?
7. Don't my address and phone number show up on your caller ID? Why do you have to ask? Doesn't my cell phone tell you my exact location when I call?
8. Why does it take help so long to get here?
9. Is my name going to wind up in the newspaper if I report a crime?
10. Is it true that deactivated cell phones can call 911?
11. Who is answering the phone when I call 911?
12. I have an emergency involving one of my pets. Can you help me?
13. My cat is stuck in a tree! Can you get it down?
14. I want to work as a 911 dispatcher. What special skills and training do I need? Do you have any openings?