911 is the telephone number for EMERGENCIES for law enforcement, fire, rescue or emergency medical services

westco dispatch center
24 hours a day
7 days a week

WestCO Dispatch provides 911/Non- Emergency Call Answering and Dispatch Services for Unincorporated Montrose County including Nucla Naturita Fire Protection District, Paradox Fire Protection District, Olathe Fire Protection District, National Parks (Black Canyon) and Law/Fire/EMS Agencies within the County and City of Ouray.

landline vs cell phone

If you’re using a landline and you’re in our service area, your 911 call goes to the WestCO Dispatch Center at the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office. Our center has a 911 system that shows the caller’s name (the person on the phone bill), phone number, address, and other vital information when you call 9-1-1.

Remember when calling from a cellular phone, exact location information, address and your name is NOT displayed for the 911 dispatcher. It is important to provide an accurate location or address where the emergency is occurring.

text 911
call if you can
text if you can’t

Texting is intended to benefit people that may not be able to speak due to an emergency such as a home invasion or abusive partner, as well as individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have limited speech capabilities.

Texting should ONLY be used when you are unable to make a voice call to 911. If you are able to place a voice call, we are able to gather information more quickly from you about the emergency, your location and what hazards responders may encounter. If, however, you are unable to place a voice call, Text-to-911 is an option you can use to share this same information.

When texting 911 we cannot identify your exact location and it can take more time to gather your information than from a voice call. We cannot accept pictures or videos.

non-emergency dispatch

If you need assistance in a situation that is not an emergency, please contact non-emergency dispatch at (970) 249-9110.

when do you call 911?

  • When someone is hurt
  • When you see fire or smoke
  • When someone’s life or property are in danger
  • When a crime is being committed
  • When an ambulance is needed

do not hang up!

The Dispatcher may need to ask you additional questions regarding the incident. It is important that you remain on the line with the Dispatcher and answer the questions as best you can until you are told it is okay to hang up. The more information you can give, the better the RESPONDERS will be able to assist you when they arrive on the scene.

Be patient and do your best to remain calm and answer the dispatcher’s questions. They are trained to ask specific questions in order to determine what type of assistance you need

The Dispatcher Will Ask:
The location of your emergency
The number you are calling from
The type of emergency you are reporting
Other necessary information
Your name

If your call is a medical issue, the dispatcher will provide Emergency Pre-Arrival Instructions to help the patient until EMS arrives.

photo of ambulance

anyone can call 911

  • Children should be taught to call 911 for police, fire or medical help.
  • The sight impaired can use the digits 911 on the telephone, or use a pre-programmed speed dial button.
  • The hearing impaired can use a TDD machine or Text-to-911

language services

WestCO subscribes to a language translation service, providing access to interpreters 24 hour a day.

remember

  • 911 is an EMERGENCY number. Please do not call this line to ask questions or as a prank or joke.
  • If you dial 911 in error, do not hang up. Stay on the line and explain what happened.
  • Make sure your house number is visible from the street