The 911 emergency system, which is used by millions of Americans every year, is on the brink of collapse.
Here are some of the reasons why:
The number of 911 calls has been increasing steadily for years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In 2019, there were more than 240 million 911 calls placed in the United States. This is up from 230 million calls in 2018, and 220 million calls in 2017.
911 call centers are chronically understaffed. In many cases, there are not enough operators to answer all of the calls that come in. This can lead to long wait times, and in some cases, callers may not be able to get through at all.
The 911 system is based on technology that is decades old. This technology is not capable of handling the increasing call volume, and it is not as sophisticated as it needs to be to meet the needs of callers.
The consequences of a 911 collapse
The collapse of the 911 emergency system would have devastating consequences. People who need help would not be able to get it, and this could lead to serious injuries or even death.
What can be done to save the 911 system
There are a number of things that can be done to save the 911 system, including:
The 911 system needs more funding to hire more operators, upgrade technology, and improve training.
The 911 call process can be streamlined to make it more efficient. This could help to reduce wait times.
The public needs to be educated about the proper use of 911. This could help to reduce the number of non-emergency calls.
The 911 emergency system is a vital part of our society. We need to take steps to save it before it collapses.
Kind regards M. Carson.