911 Call Simulation with a Dispatcher

In relays, each team collects the details of an accident hidden under cones, and then one student makes a simulated 911 call to a classmate acting as dispatcher. Students learn what to say, in what order, and why not to hang up.

How to play

1. Briefing (3 min): the call details: where I am, what happened, how many victims, whether they respond and breathe, and my callback number. Never hang up until the dispatcher says so.
2. Teams of 4 in a line. Fifteen yards away, each team has four cones of its color, each hiding one detail of the case.
3. On the signal, a runner lifts a cone, memorizes the detail without taking the card, and tells the team. Teammates go in turn until they have all four (2 min).
4. The caller sits back-to-back with a student from another team who plays the dispatcher. The dispatcher asks and the caller answers in 90 seconds or less.
5. The dispatcher checks off what was said and in what order: one point per correct detail and one more if the caller doesn't hang up early.
6. Switch cases and roles: four 4-minute rounds so everyone makes a call.

Rules

• Details are memorized; taking cards is not allowed.
• Run in your own lane and return on the outside to avoid collisions.
• Never dial 911 for real; this is a drill.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: serve as permanent dispatcher or as caller while teammates bring the details.
• Hearing impairment: caller and dispatcher sit face to face and use the written checklist.
• Shyness: make the first call with a partner whispering the details.

Learning goals

• Deliver a complete, well-ordered emergency call.
• Memorize and share information as a team under time pressure.
• Understand how a 911 call works and why not to hang up.

Equipment for a class of 25

• scenario cards: 24
• cones: 30
• observation checklists: 25

Teacher tip

Students tend to start with what happened and forget the location; the address comes first. Use real places on your campus so the cases feel relevant.

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