In an emergency, dialing 911 is a call for help. But people with hearing loss or those who must remain quiet in a dangerous situation aren’t able to place a call safely or at all. That’s why the Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (DPS-ECN) has worked with stakeholders around Minnesota to develop Text-to-911 on Minnesota’s Next Generation 911 (NG911) network. DPSECN announced today that Minnesotans are now able to use the service throughout the state.
An emergency lifeline
Text-to-911 is an alternative to calling in an emergency when it would be unsafe for an individual to speak.
“Imagine having to hide from an intruder in your bedroom closet or witnessing a domestic violence situation. Text-to-911 is a lifeline for people who would put themselves in harm’s way if they called 911,” said DPSECN director Jackie Mines. “Speaking with a dispatcher is still the fastest way to receive help, so call if you can, text if you can’t.”
A new solution
The addition of Text-to-911 also means individuals who have some form of hearing loss will now be able to use text dispatchers as a first contact option. Until today, deaf Minnesotans have gone without a direct way to communicate with 911 centers.
“Twenty percent of Minnesotans have some form of hearing loss. The communication barriers they experience are frightening when seconds matter most in an emergency,” said Marie Koehler of the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services division. “Text-to-911 offers a solution to that overwhelming problem.”
In 2014, all 104 Minnesota 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) became connected to the next generation network that allows them to accept texts. In 2017, ECN worked with PSAPS to train dispatchers and test the equipment for the Text-to-911 system. The deployment of Text-to-911 in Minnesota is fully funded by 911 fees collected from all devices capable of originating a 911 emergency telephone call.
If there is an emergency and you cannot call 911, take these steps:
. Enter the numbers 911 in
the “To” field.
. Text your exact address
and type of emergency.
. Send the message.
. Use simple words, but do
not include abbreviations,
emojis, pictures or slang.
. Promptly answer
questions and follow
instructions.
“The physical act of texting 911 is not that difficult, but it’s important that people follow these steps and provide us with the most accurate information,” said Darlene Pankonie of the NG911 Committee. “If there’s a delay in answering a dispatcher’s questions, or if you don’t tell us where you are, we can’t help you. This will lead to valuable time lost in an emergency and take dispatchers away from other calls.”
Best practices and challenges
Text-to-911 comes with challenges. For instance, emergency response may be lengthened due to the time it takes for a text to 911 to be typed and sent. Delivery of texts and speed of delivery are also not guaranteed. Here are several reminders to ensure the best service and response from dispatchers.
Dispatchers prefer calls so they can get cues from background noise and voice inflections. If you text 911, dispatchers will ask if they can call you.
Location is not as accurate with texting as it is with a call. Be sure to text your exact address.
A text or data plan is required to use Text-to-911.
Texts to 911 will get a bounce-back message if you are roaming.
Texts to 911 have a 160 character limit, can get out of order, or may not be received.
There is no language translation service for texts to 911.
The new service should only be used in emergencies. Texting 911 with a false report is a crime. If you accidentally send a text to 911, send another text, or call 911 to let the dispatcher know that there is no emergency.
Remember: Call if you can, text if you can’t.
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