What should I say to the emergency dispatcher when calling 911 in Jordan?
When calling 911 in Jordan, the unified number for reporting emergency, ambulance, and fire incidents, you must remain calm and provide clear, direct answers to the dispatcher. Remember that the goal is to relay necessary information quickly to help dispatch the appropriate rescue teams [4]. Start by accurately identifying your location, then explain the nature of the situation, and listen carefully to the dispatcher's instructions without dwelling on unnecessary details to ensure response times are minimized [4].
Key Information to Provide
When speaking with the dispatcher, try to be organized in providing the information. Clearly state the location of the incident and answer the dispatcher's questions; the Public Security Directorate explains that collecting initial information, including the incident location, is a standard step in receiving emergency requests and directing the competent authorities [5]. After specifying the location, clarify the nature of the emergency; is it a traffic accident, a sudden medical condition such as severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, or uncontrollable bleeding? [2]. State the number of affected individuals and their visible condition, such as loss of consciousness or severe bleeding. This information helps in directing the appropriate medical or security teams to the location [2].
What if you cannot speak or have a hearing impairment?
The Operations and Control Directorate in Jordan recognizes the need to provide alternative communication channels. If you are unable to make a voice call for any reason, you can send an SMS to the 911 emergency number to request assistance [4]. For individuals with hearing impairments or the deaf, the "Deaf JO 114" application is available, dedicated to video calls to facilitate direct communication with emergency teams; do not use it for anything else to ensure the service remains available to those who truly need it [4].
Tips to Ensure a Quick and Effective Response
Stay focused during the call. The dispatcher may ask specific questions; answer them accurately without engaging in useless storytelling that consumes time [4]. Listen carefully to the dispatcher's instructions when calling 911 [4]. The dispatcher may ask you to perform first aid procedures, such as performing CPR if you have the knowledge, or guide you on how to secure the scene until the ambulance arrives [2]. It is also important to teach children how to use 911 for emergencies only, and clarify that the number is designated for saving lives, not for amusement or non-emergency inquiries [4].
Always remember that hesitating to call in emergencies that are life-threatening or could worsen during transport to the hospital may lead to negative outcomes; therefore, call immediately when a true emergency occurs, such as road accident injuries, major burns, or severe shortness of breath [2]. For additional information on prior preparations, you can review the article Ambulance and Emergency Services in Jordan: A Comprehensive Guide for Contact and Preparation (Arabic) to learn how to properly manage the situation before and during the arrival of help.
Medical references
Cite this answer
ClinicsJo Editorial Team. What should I say to the emergency dispatcher when calling 911 in Jordan? (Sep 13, 2026).
https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-say-to-911-operator-jordan-emergency-services#answerRead the text version with referencesHow to use medical information