A method for routing a special number call to an appropriate answering position using a common telecommunication network includes: (a) placing an extant special number call to a switching center; (b) ascertaining the appropriate answering position for receiving the extant call; (c) providing to a gateway switch call-information for routing the extant call to the appropriate answering position; (d) in no particular order: (1) associating the call-information with a temporary number; and (2) providing the temporary number to the switching center; (e) employing the temporary number as a called party number for routing the extant call through the network to the gateway switch; and (f) operating the gateway switch to employ the call-information associated with the temporary number for routing the extant call to the appropriate answering position.