Mobile phones and 911: Know your phone Published June 1, 2012 By Brannen Parrish 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Understanding what to say, and how your mobile manages emergency calls is vital when dialing 911 for on-base emergencies. Calls to 911 from an installation land-line will be answered by an on-base dispatcher. When calling from a mobile phone however, the call will likely be answered by a municipal dispatcher. The first thing a mobile phone caller should relate is the location. "Depending on your location, most dispatchers will identify where they are and will ask for the nature of the emergency," said William Dodson, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention, McConnell Fire Department. "When that conversation starts, the caller needs to let the dispatcher know immediately that they have an emergency at McConnell Air Force Base." The county dispatcher will either continue to take all of the information and provide that information to the on-base dispatcher when they transfer the call or they will transfer the call immediately, Dodson said. After the call has been transferred, the caller should remain on the line and provide specific location instructions. "The caller needs to look at the building and provide the building and room number," said Dodson. "If they don't know the building number, or if they are outside, they need to provide our dispatcher with some type of landmark so that we can pinpoint their location." If the mobile phone drops the call, the caller should call 911 again as the dispatcher might not have the cell phone number. Dodson said that it is important for members to know how their mobile phones deliver emergency calls. "They need to look at their cell phone provider to determine if the phone will dial a local emergency dispatcher or the location where their plans are based," said Dodson. Reservists travelling from outside the commuting area should review the reporting instructions provided by the lodging representative during check-in. "The lodging facility will provide guests with a sheet that explains how to make emergency calls on base," said Dodson.