When you call 911, who answers the phone? How do they decide who to send to the scene, and how fast will they get there? We bring you a 2-part special—The Race to An Emergency, produced by KALW radio in San Francisco.

We follow the path of a 911 call, and along the way, encounter decades of mistrust that fuel a lack of confidence in the system.

Special thanks to KALW Radio.

Featuring:

• Lesley Phillips, Sharena Thomas, Peoples Community Medics co-founders
• Nikki Anjenique, Sharena Thomas daughter
• Rick Rocha, California Highway Patrol dispatcher
• Olivia Moy, Wolleen Jones, Oakland police Department dispatchers
• Terry Woodard, Oakland Fire Department Communications dispatcher
• Jason Murphy, Paramedics Plus dispatcher
• Tracy Chin, Rob Thrower, Oakland Fire Fighters
• Brian Murphy, Oakland Police Officer
• Regina Harris Gilliard, Johnna Watson Oakland Police Department spokespeople
• Benjamin Bowser, Cal State East Bay Sociology Professor