Inside Your County Government: Behind the Scenes at the 911 Communications Center

Ever wonder what really happens when you dial 911? In this episode of Inside Your County Government, host Doria Fleisher sits down with April Thompson and Karen Turner, Public Safety Communications Supervisors at the Charles County 911 Communications Center, for an inside look at the science, training, and split-second decisions behind every emergency call.

April and Karen pull back the curtain on:

• The rigorous training and protocols dispatchers follow for medical, fire, and police calls
• Why old cell phones (even without service) can still dial 911 — and why that matters for parents
• What really happens on the other end of the line while help is already on the way
• Why dispatchers can't give ETAs, and how they keep callers calm under pressure
• What to do if you accidentally call 911
• Texting vs. calling 911: which one should you actually use
• How Charles County 911 can help connect you to emergency services even if your loved one is in another state

Plus, simple things every resident can do — like knowing your address by heart — to help dispatchers get you help faster.

Thanks for listening.

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