(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

STAY ON THE LINE

Red Deer 911 dispatch receives thousands of accidental calls monthly

Oct 15, 2021 | 10:43 AM

Dispatch team members who answer 911 calls in Red Deer received 4,040 in September by accident.

That’s an average of 135 daily.

According to the official Twitter account for City of Red Deer 911 Dispatch, 1,161 of the accidental calls in September were caused by an open line or pocket dial.

• Abandoned/Wrong number/error: 785
• Abandoned/No answer on callback: 517
• Error Dial: 423
• Abandoned/Unregistered: 411
• Cell hang up: 289
• Wrong number 264
• Children playing: 119
• Landline hang up: 71

  There are many reasons why you may accidentally call 9-1-1, but if you notice you are calling please stay on the line and let us know it was an accident. If you hang up we have to call you back. All we want to know is that you are safe and don’t need emergency assistance. pic.twitter.com/YZYcBGuvH0

  — City of Red Deer 911 Dispatch (@RedDeer911) October 9, 2021

“There are a few reasons, but mainly cell phone technology has made it easier for people to call 911. There is an emergency SOS feature on cell phones that makes it very easy for people to call in without even knowing,” explains Amy Boult, 911 Emergency Dispatcher.

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“It is a great feature when someone is having an actual emergency and we do not recommend turning that feature off, but due to the simple sequence of buttons you have to press, it calls into 911 regularly. Simply putting your cell phone in a cup holder in a car or chair can activate it.”

In August, Red Deer dispatchers received 4,724 accidental calls, in July there were 5,292, June saw 4,767, and in May there were 4,074.

Officials say that if you notice you’ve called 911 by accident, it’s better for you to stay on the line to let them know it wasn’t intentional.

That way, they say, it won’t require them to use up more valuable time calling you back to ensure your safety.