emergency
Police, Fire, and Ambulance: The Metro Vancouver Dispatch Manual
Seconds count in an emergency. Knowing which agency you need helps dispatchers send help faster.
5 min read
Emergency calls in Metro Vancouver are managed by E-Comm. Once connected, you'll be asked: "Police, Fire, or Ambulance?"
Step-by-Step Scenario Guide
- Select Police: For crimes in progress (break-ins, assaults) or immediate threats to safety. Note: For minor car accidents without injuries, police generally do not attend.
- Select Fire: For more than just fires. Call for the smell of gas, people trapped in elevators, or chemical spills. In many Metro Vancouver cities, Firefighters are often the first on-scene for medical calls as they are trained first responders.
- Select Ambulance: For medical emergencies only—unconsciousness, heart attacks, or severe breathing difficulties.
- Addressing Tips: Be specific. Many streets have similar names across the Lower Mainland. Always specify the city (e.g., "Main St, Vancouver" vs "Main St, Delta") and provide the nearest intersection.