At All Times, Service Above Self

Cellular phones and calling 9-1-1 A stocking stuffed with danger? by Brian Humphrey LAFD Firefighter/Paramedic Dear Friend of the LA Fire Department: Do you have a wireless (cellular) phone? Are you giving one as a gift this holiday season? Did you know that if a wireless phone keypad is accidentally bumped - or if a certain key is pressed on the keypad - it could dial the 9-1-1 emergency system without you knowing?

Depending on your wireless provider, your phone or the one you are giving may be pre-programmed to dial 9-1-1 by pressing only one button!

Can you see the danger? Can we count on your help?

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to help us decrease unintentional 9-1-1 calls by turning OFF the emergency 9-1-1 autodial feature and locking the keypad of wireless telephones when not in use. If you fail to do so, you or a loved one could easily bump the keypad and place an accidental call to 9-1-1.

Aren't all phones equal?

Unlike your wired phone at home or work, most wireless phones currently do not provide the caller's location and phone number to 9-1-1 operators. Emergency operators have to determine the location and nature of the call by speaking with the caller. If there is no one speaking on the phone, such as when an unintentional call is made, the dispatcher has to take extra time to listen and determine if it is a legitimate emergency. That creates a burden for emergency service dispatchers and can making real emergency callers wait for their urgent calls to be answered. If you do accidently dial 9-1-1, please stay on the line and inform the Dispatcher that you made a mistake. This will prevent them from going through the actions described above. You can help us keep the 9-1-1 phone lines open for real emergencies.

Read your owner's manual or contact your wireless provider to find out how to:

	Turn OFF the emergency 9-1-1 autodial feature.
	Lock your keypad when you are not using the phone.

If your wireless phone does not have a keypad lock feature, it's important to be aware at all times of how your phone is carried, whether on your belt, in a purse, briefcase or bag. Activating a keypad lock is usually quite easy. Check your manual or your providers website for more information.

What about an EMERGENCY you say?

You should be able to easily dial the three digit 9-1-1 emergency number when necessary. By locking your keypad when not in use, you can extend battery life and prevent unintentional local and long- distance calls. In the event of an emergency, please remember that wireless 9-1-1 calls do not currently provide emergency personnel with your name, phone number or location.

If you must call 9-1-1 for a situation that endangers human life or property and demands immediate attention:

Take a brief moment to become aware of your *exact* location (ideally a street address and nearest cross-street if available) and then dial 9-1-1. LISTEN to the Dispatcher... their full-time job is to be helpful to people like you.

Try your best to remain calm and answer each question clearly and accurately. The 9-1-1 Dispatcher will ask you for your exact location, your wireless phone number including area code, and may even ask your name. The 9-1-1 Dispatcher will type this information so that it can be relayed to responding Police Officers, Firefighters and Paramedics. The more calm you remain, the quicker help can be on the way!

After determining the exact location of the emergency and your wireless phone number, the Dispatcher may ask you a brief series of questions. Most questions will require a simple "yes", "no" or "I don't know". We do urge you to LISTEN to the 9-1-1 Dispatcher, and follow their instructions while help is on the way.

Remain on the phone until the Dispatcher tells you it is OK to finish the call, and stay off the phone until help arrives. The Dispatcher or emergency responders may need to call you for directions or additional information. If help is no longer needed, be certain to call back to 9-1-1 and cancel the emergency response.

Here are some additional tips to ensure your safety and the safety of others when you get behind the wheel:

	Always Buckle Up.
	Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
	Don't let a phone call distract you from driving safely. Carefully consider whether you should use your wireless phone while driving.

Factors to consider include:

	Driving Skill and Experience.
	Familiarity with the Vehicle.
	Traffic and Weather conditions.

Consider your alternatives to making or receiving a call while on the road:

	Allow voice mail to handle your calls and return them at your convenience.
	Pull off the roadway if safe and legal to do so.
	Ask a passenger to make or take the call.

If you do use your wireless phone while driving, use good judgment:

	Tell the caller that you are driving and may have to suspend the conversation.
	Position your phone within easy reach.
	Use a hands-free device.
	Use memory dial and automatic redial features.
	Memorize your keypad.
	Dial numbers while you are not moving.
	Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations while driving.
	Never take notes or look up numbers while driving.
	Do not use data functions such as text messaging or web browsing while driving.

We remind you to respect all applicable laws concerning the use of wireless phones. Some States, Provinces or Municipalities may not allow the use of earbuds or headsets and some may require hands-free use.

And finally, the men and women of the LAFD urge you to consider the CALL-TO-PROTECT Program when disposing of your no longer needed wireless phones. Such phone will be collected, reprogrammed to dial emergency and assistance numbers only, and donated to victims of domestic violence. Your old wireless phone can indeed save lives and your donation can be tax deductible.

We urge you to learn more by calling (800) 426-2790 -or- (888) 901-7233 anytime or by clicking: http://www.lafd.org/donateaphone.htm

NOTE: The Los Angeles Fire Department is *NOT* serving as a collection point for used phones at this time. You can find a convenient donation center near you by calling the toll-free phone numbers or visiting the website link above.

Oh, one last favor please! We kindly ask that you NOT call 9-1-1 in an attempt to test your new telephone. Our Dispatchers will be busy Christmas morn, and encourage you to instead call a loved one to share the great news about your new and exciting holiday gift.

Happy Holidays!

Brian Humphrey

Firefighter/Paramedic
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
E-Mail: beh9593@lafd.lacity.org

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