Emergency: Need Help Now?
If you are currently experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Who We Are
At the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, our Emergency Communications Officers are the critical connection between citizens and responders when it matters most. When you call 9-1-1, you will be met with a calm, steady voice dedicated to your safety.
Our team works quickly to:
- Understand the situation and gather key details.
- Provide support during stressful moments.
- Coordinate police, fire, or emergency medical services (EMS).
- Ensure responders arrive well-informed and ready to act.
Every call is handled with care, urgency, and a commitment to keeping our communities safe.
Emergency Calls (9-1-1)
9-1-1 is for emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or medical assistance. Our officers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When to Call
If a situation is serious, dangerous, or life-threatening, do not wait—call immediately. Examples include:
Medical:
Chest pain, severe bleeding, or trouble breathing.
Fire/Hazards:
Fire, smoke, carbon monoxide alarms, gas leaks, or downed power lines.
Safety/Crimes
Crimes in progress, violence, gunshots, or dangerous/impaired driving.
Accidents:
Motor vehicle collisions with injuries.
Not sure if it’s an emergency?
Call anyway. It is always better to be safe, and our team will assess the situation to get you the right help.
Specialized Support Services
Specialized Support Services
- Language Support: We can connect you to translation services in over 300 languages. Tip: Knowing how to say the name of your language in English helps us connect you faster.
- Text with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1): Available for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired (DHHSI).
- Note: You must be registered with your wireless provider in advance to use this service.
- To use: Dial 9-1-1; the system identifies your registration, and an officer will begin a text-based conversation.
What to Expect When You Call
1.
Tell us your location
Your location is the most important information you can provide.
- Provide the full address, nearest intersection, or landmarks (schools, businesses, parks).
- Cell Phone Users: We may receive an approximate GPS location, but it is not always exact. Your description is essential.
2.
Describe the emergency
Briefly explain what is happening. Use a clear, simple description of the situation and the type of help needed.
3.
Stay calm and follow instructions
- Speak clearly and remain on the line.
- The officer will stay with you to offer guidance until help arrives or until you are connected to the correct agency.
Non-Emergency Resources
Using 9-1-1 only for true emergencies helps keep lines open for those in urgent need.
For situations that do not require immediate response, please use:
| Resource | Contact Information | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| RCMP (Non-Emergency) | Contact your local detachment | Lost/stolen property, non-injury collisions, or vandalism. |
| Health Link | Call 811 or visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca | General health advice or non-urgent medical concerns. |
| Community Support | Call 211 | Housing, mental health, and basic needs. |
| Suicide Crisis Helpline | Call or text 9-8-8 | Immediate mental health crisis support. |
| Municipal Services | Contact local municipal office | Garbage, road maintenance, or noise complaints. |
Accidental 9-1-1 Calls
Accidental calls take valuable time away from real emergencies.
- If you call by mistake: Stay on the line. Tell the officer it was an accident. If you hang up, we must call you back to confirm your safety, which causes delays.
- Why they happen: Many phones have "Emergency SOS" features triggered by pressing the power button multiple times or holding a combination of buttons.
Prevention Tips:
- Store your phone securely to avoid "pocket dialing".
- Do not program 9-1-1 into your contacts.
- Review your phone's SOS settings and keep devices away from children.
- Remember: Even deactivated phones can still call 9-1-1.
Every call is important. Every question is intentional. Every second matters. Stay on the line—we will guide you every step of the way.