When you dial 9-1-1 in Valparaiso, you are connected with the Porter County Dispatch Center, located in the Porter County Sheriff’s Department, which dispatches fire and police personnel and equipment in response to calls. It is important to remain on the line and not cause any delay in getting help by hanging up and redialing.

Serious Symptoms
If you or someone you are with experiences any of the following symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately: 

• Change in mental status (confusion, unusual behavior) 
• Coughing up or vomiting blood 
• Difficulty breathing 

• Fainting 
• Pain or pressure in the chest or upper abdomen which can include: pressure, fullness, squeezing sensation, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes; pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or back; chest pain accompanied by dizziness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath
• Severe or persistent vomiting 

• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision 
• Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body 
• Suicidal feelings
• Uncontrolled bleeding 

Questions from the Dispatcher
If these or other severe symptoms present themselves, dial 9-1-1. The dispatcher will ask pertinent questions to ascertain the specific nature of the problem and help provide appropriate intervention until the paramedics arrive. Do not hang up until the dispatcher instructs you to do so.