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1. If I have a problem after hours that is not an emergency, is there another number I can call beside 9-1-1?

Yes. You can dial 3-1-1 or 360-693-3111 in Clark County. If you have a concern about anything that is "in progress," call 9-1-1, state the problem, the location, and a description of subjects or vehicles. We can always refer you to other agencies if we determine it is not an "in progress" emergency. Even a 5-minute delay can make the difference in whether police can find the bad guy. Don't delay; call right away!

2. I called 9-1-1 and they asked me if I had an “in progress” emergency. I said “no” and they put me on hold for a long time. Why did I have to wait?

Dispatchers may need to put you on hold if you do not have an "in-progress emergency". When dispatchers take "in-progress" calls such as medical, (especially cardiac arrest, choking and childbirth), armed robberies and fires, they may need to put you on hold so they can take care of priority situations. That doesn't mean your call is not important, but some calls take priority over non-emergency calls not in progress, so responding units can get there quickly.

3. I called 9-1-1 for an ambulance and I got a fire truck and an ambulance. Why did you send me a fire truck too?

Every time someone calls 9-1-1 for a medical situation, our dispatchers send a fire “First Responder” unit to the scene to assess the situation. Oftentimes, the first responders are closer and can arrive sooner to provide treatment. All ambulances, as do most fire units in Clark County, have paramedics on them to provide treatment for injuries and medical conditions.