911 Emergency calling procedures on Okinawa

OKINAWA, JAPAN

01.21.2011

Story by Cpl. Megan Angel 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, JapN - In an emergency, each and every moment thereafter is crucial and could be the difference between life and death.

The ability to respond quickly by simply dialing 911 from any phone in a situation where emergency services are needed is what makes the 911 service a vital part of our nation’s emergency response system.

However, dialing 911 in Okinawa differs from the method in the U.S. depending on several factors.

“Dispatch and phone technicians understand the various hurdles of the 911 service here,” said Jonathan Page, G-6 project manager, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “As the caller, none of it matters.”

Dialing procedures for 911 differ depending on the location of the caller and whether they are using a landline or cell phone. Here are some helpful tips on knowing 911 calling procedures for emergency preparedness and response:

• Post 911 numbers near telephones.

• Know the differences between calling from on/off base telephones and cell phones.

• Keep emergency numbers in purses, wallets and programmed in cell phones in the event that numbers aren’t visibly posted.

• Teach children about what to do in an emergency.

“We are in the process of coming up with some ways to help folks know how to call 911, such as magnets with the numbers,” said Page.

When calling from off base, it is important to take note of the landmarks such as stores, highway road numbers, parks, tourist spots or (global positioning system) coordinates from cell phones or GPS location near the incident, Page added. This will allow the dispatch operator to quickly pin point the location so the ambulance and military police can arrive as soon as possible.

“If you are visiting tourist sites or locations frequented by Americans and you have the means to capture the latitude/longitude, make a note of the coordinates,” said Page. “We can then add the location in our database and it will provide another search point for the dispatcher.”

Changing the emergency system for better consistency and ease is not impossible; however, such changes require more than just changing the numbers, Page added.

“The most important thing people should do is verify emergency numbers before they are needed,” Page said. “Because of the variations for calling 911, it’s important that not only active duty members and Department of Defense employees know the procedures, but their spouses and [family members] as well.”

For ideas and suggestions regarding emergency services, to include location landmarks and coordinates, contact Jonathan Page, at [e-mail] or Gunnery Sgt. Britton Kemling, at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 01.21.2011
• Date Posted: 01.21.2011 00:40
• Story ID: 63901
• Location: OKINAWA, JP