[billethkid]

I have done searches in the forums this subject could be and found nothing on the subject.

So how do cell phones with a non FL area code access local 911 in an emergency?

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by billethkid

I have done searches in the forums this subject could be and found nothing on the subject.

So how do cell phones with a non FL area code access local 911 in an emergency?

I don't recall the exact details but we had someone pass out from the heat at one of our village outdoor parties. Several calls from cell phones and yet there was an unusual lag for medical personnel to get to us. I think it could have been partially that we were SO new that we weren't in the GPS system yet. Maybe partially too that we were so new that people were not clear about us being off 466. We quickly learned that most people think all new villages are south of 466A.


I do recall coming away with the notion that one should call from a land line. But I don't know why.

[billethkid]

I am doing a search to get more info on my question. Here is an interesting news/video on the subject in South FL:

Differences Between 911 Calls Made From Cell Phone and Land Lines | NBC 6 South Florida

[Happinow]

I never thought of that but it is a big concern. I am going to ask the local sheriff.

[Matzy]

Usually you can call 911 on any phone and it will put you in touch with the local 911 operator. It goes by what phone the tower is registered on.
This was the answer from ATT when I asked for this issue.

[TraceyMooreRN]

A long time ago- I was a 911 operator. Cell phones (you remember the ones in the bag in the car) *giggle* would ping off the closest tower and usually route you to the nearest 911 facility. Of course there is a glitch in every system--but if you call, wait don't hang up. Sometimes there is a delay when the dispatcher picks up the phone and then can be heard speaking. Tons of people hang up and retry-either nerves or just don't wait long enough (seconds).

[Paul B]

I just had to do this last weekend. We only have cell phones with a northern area code. The 911 operator seemed to know exactly where I was calling from. I had heard earlier that you have to say where you are calling from. When she answered the 911, I told her I was calling from the Villages. It did seem to me that she knew that. I believe the post about them knowing from which tower is correct. I had no difficulties at all.

[Giggles]

Over the Summer I had to use my cell to call 911 at the pool for someone having chest pains. We were at the deep end of the pool and I was afraid to leave her to go to the landline phone. I told them we were in The Villages on Odell at the Hemmingway pool and it took medics 40 min to find us. (I actually saw them drive past the pool and come back)

[villagetinker]

I also had a possible fire emergency at my house, used cell phone as the cable phone was not hooker up yet. When the 911 operator answered, the first thing I asked was where she was located, Sumter Country was the reply. I few moments later I was transferred to the fire dispatcher, and very shortly later the fire company was at my door step. As it turns out there was no fire, just the smell (long story....).
Also, most of the newer phones have GPS capability, and I believe this is automatically turned on for 911 calls.

NOTE: if you have Comcast modem, it is registered to your HOUSE address, therefore, if you take this to a friends house, and call 911, guess what.... they go to YOUR house, not the house you are calling from!!!!

[NotGolfer]

We took a CPR class at Unit 44 on Morse south of 466a, late this fall or early winter. That question was answered....the 911 will go to the area we live in and there should be "no" worries.

[TraceyMooreRN]

Giggles--I am sorry that it took EMS 40 minutes to locate you. Please remember when other people use the EMS for crap calls--sometimes they have to use other EMS vehicles that are out of the closest area. Add that to traffic and other glitches it will still happen. Never fails--someone is having chest pain, but someone has called for EMS to bring them in for headache x 8 days.

Last week-- EMS brought me a patient who had stomach pain from 1p-5pm every day. It was 0530am when the truck arrived. I asked the patient (Villager and confirmed)what made him call 911 at this hour when he denies pain. He stated "My wife told me to call, she said if I went by ambulance I wouldn't have to wait as long".

Education provided. By the way- I asked if the man was still able to drive--he responded yes. He also asked for a ride home because his wife didn't drive. I said we don't offer that service, but certainly we can provide phone for either neighbors, taxi or whatever to assist him.

If and when 911 is needed or possible need CALL. If you can drive to the hospital for something you have been experiencing then please do so. Sorry for the rant--love my EMS, Police and Fire guys/gals!

[rn1tv]

Tracey, I agree with you 100%, this person should have seen his primary MD if the problem had lasted for several days. This only ties up the ED and could cost a life that truly needs immediate care.
Also, noted you are from Colonial Heights, I worked at MCV and grew up in Richmond until I came to The Villages. PM if you like, please!

[Doctommft]

Somewhere in my travels I learned that if you call 911 on a cell, whether with an out-of-state number or a local number, the first information should be your address or easily identified public place, then the emergency.