My last 911 experience was regarding a drunk driver I was following during afternoon rush hour...she was weaving all over the road, and I didn't know if she was ill or drunk at the time and called to report the reckless driving.
911: 911, what is your emergency?
Me: I'm driving up 270 North, following a vehicle that is driving very recklessly and was connected to you by the non-emergency line.
911: Please describe the driving.
Me: The driver is weaving between the 2 lanes, into the shoulder, off the side of the road, jerking back onto the road, nearly side swiping vehicles in the other lane...
911: Is the driver drunk?
Me: I don't know, maybe.
911: Can you find out?
Me:
911: Ma'am?
Me: I'm following him...I can only describe the driving.
911: Ma'am, what is your exact location?
Me: We just passed the Urbana exit, and are coming up on the scenic....nevermind. We need emergency services. She just rolled.
911: I'm sorry?
Me: The car just rolled.
911: Did the driver hit anyone else?
Me: No....just the gate at the overlook, and now the car is facing southbound.
911: Is the driver hurt?
Me: Give me a second...I'm not out of my car yet.
911: Ma'am, I need to know if I should send an ambulance.
(I of course was thinking that if I'd just rolled my car I'd want an ambulance anyway...)
Me: Yes ma'am, she's unconscious...I think we need an ambulance.
911: Is there any gas leaking?
Me: I can't smell anything but a lot of liquor...
911: So she's drunk?
Me: That would be my guess...
911: Please stay on the line until police, fire or rescue arrive...
I didn't feel like talking to her anymore, and passed off my phone to another witness, who continued to say things like "no, we didn't know there was alcohol until she wrecked." and "because she wreaks..." and "um...she's passed out, so I don't know" and "maybe 25, maybe 40, she looks drunk..." Once the trooper pulled up, they hung up and the police officer asked who else was drinking...nobody, just her
The paramedics told the police officer he'd have to give them breathalizer tests before he could let them leave because they were getting drunk just smelling her.
I still don't know exactly how I was supposed to know she was drunk by following her though
(and I know they have questions they have to ask, but there comes a point when it becomes obvious that the callers just don't know
)