Skip to content

E-Comm reminds public to dial for emergencies only

Top 10 reasons not to call the emergency line include calling for lost Wi-Fi connection

This past November, British Columbia’s largest emergency communication company, E-Comm, announced they would be taking on all 9-1-1 calls from the central and southern interiors, but with the New Year upon us, the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is warning British Columbians to not take advantage of the service.

To commence the New Year, E-Comm sent out a press release listing its top 10 reasons not to call the emergency line, which included asking what the fine for jaywalking is and advising E-Comm representatives of a lost Wi-Fi connection.

“Our staff are trained to treat every call that comes through our centre as a valid emergency, until they determine otherwise, no matter what the circumstance,” E-Comm spokesperson Jody Robertson said. “Even if the reason for the call seems absurd on the surface, 9-1-1 call-takers need to take the time to determine exactly what’s going on and whether someone genuinely needs help. Calls about internet access and cold food are a serious drain on emergency services.”

E-Comm noted that approximately 2,600 9-1-1 calls were placed per day in 2014. Although Robertson emphasized that the majority of people use the service responsibly, there are several callers that do not properly utilize the service.

“We’re reaching out today to remind the public that 9-1-1 is a lifeline, not an information line,” Robertson said in a press release on December 30. “We hope our message that 9-1-1 call-takers cannot answer questions about how long power outages will last, when the clocks turn back, or other non-emergency questions, will help reduce these kinds of calls and keep the lines open for real emergencies.”

E-Comm 9-1-1 call-taker Warner Yang reiterated Robertson’s remarks, adding, “We’re here to help people with real emergencies. If someone calls 9-1-1 about Internet problems, that means I’m not available to help someone who really needs it.”