E-911 (Enhanced)

Ashland, like all communities in Massachusetts is equipped with Enhanced 911 which provides the Police and Fire Departments with enhanced features.  Enhanced 9-1-1 service automatically provides the emergency dispatchers with the telephone number of the caller, the address, the closest cross streets and map coordinates. Incoming calls are routed directly to the Ashland Police Department's dispatch center (PSAP, Public Safety Answering Point) located at the Police Station on Main Street, next to the Fire Department's Station One.  Calls for fire and ambulance service are transferred to the Ashland Fire Communication Center.  The appropriate resources are sent depending on the specific emergency. 911 is to be used for emergencies/life-threatening situations only, all other calls should be directed toward 508-881-2323.  Non emergency calls to 9-1-1 can create delays in handling other very serious emergencies that require immediate assistance. 

1.When on the phone with the Police Department provide the following information:

Exact description of the problem/ emergency.

Exact location/address of the emergency

you name, phone number where your calling from

2.If your call is for a fire or medical emergency, your call will be transferred to the Fire Department Dispatcher. You will hear the phone start ringing again while the transfer is taking place. The fire dispatcher will answer "Fire Department, what's your emergency".

If you are reporting a fire be prepared to provide the fire dispatcher the following information:

Location of the fire including address, building or apartment number? 

What is burning? 

Is the building occupied or is everyone safe outside? 

If you are reporting a medical be prepared to provide the fire dispatcher the following information:

Location of the medical call including address, building or apartment number 

What is the matter with the person, are they breathing? awake?

Do they have any past medical history?

How old are they?

Remain calm and give direct answers to the questions asked. Speak slowly and clearly. You may be asked
additional questions or instructions so the dispatcher can send the right type of help.

If you call 9-1-1 from a cellular phone in the Ashland area, the call will be routed through the Massachusetts State Police, in Framingham. The caller's location will not be identified automatically. It is extremely important to give clear and accurate instructions to the location of the emergency. Highway interchanges are especially difficult for emergency responders who haven't been given accurate locations. 

Understanding what happens when a 9-1-1 call is placed will help the system run more efficiently and will bring you the emergency help you need in the shortest possible time.