If we were to find ourselves in a situation where we were being threatened and felt the need to call emergency services, what would you do? Most people realize that they need to call 911 and ask for help but what if you couldn’t talk because of the situation that you were in? It may seem like an alarmist opinion but it is something that we may all have to face at some time in our lives. The woman in the following story, which cannot be proven to be true, had an idea that was perfect for her situation. Fortunately, the 911 operator was listening and reading between the lines.
“911, where is your emergency?”
“123 Main St.”
“Ok, what’s going on there?”
“I’d like to order a pizza for delivery.” (Oh great, another prank call).
“Ma’am, you’ve reached 911.”
“Yeah, I know. Can I have a large with half pepperoni, half mushroom, and peppers?”
“Ummm… I’m sorry, you know you’ve called 911 right?”
“Yeah, do you know how long it will be?”
“Ok, Ma’am, is everything ok over there? Do you have an emergency?”
“Yes, I do.”
“..And you can’t talk about it because there’s someone in the room with you?” (Moment of realization)
“Yes, that’s correct. Do you know how long it will be?”
“I have an officer about a mile from your location. Are there any weapons in your house?”
“Nope.”
“Can you stay on the phone with me?”
“Nope. See you soon, thanks.”
As we dispatch the call, I check the history at the address and see there are multiple previous domestic violence calls. The officer arrives and finds a couple, the female was kind of banged up, and the boyfriend was drunk. Officer arrests him after she explains that the boyfriend had been beating her for a while. I thought she was pretty clever to use that trick. Definitely one of the most memorable calls.
The relief that must have flooded over her when I realized what was actually happening is something I could feel from the call.