For those in Saint Louis County needing urgent help but unable to make a voice call, texting 911 is now an option. This service aims to aid individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or in situations where a voice call could be dangerous, a crucial service extension that may save lives in certain scenarios, as announced by the Saint Louis County Emergency Communications Commission.
According to a release from the Saint Louis County, Mike Clouse, Director of the Saint Louis County Emergency Communications Commission, emphasized the importance of this new 911 texting service saying "Text to 911 adds another layer of safety and accessibility for our community," and while the preference is always to call 911 due to its immediacy, the texting service is vital when speaking isn't possible or if doing so could escalate a dangerous situation, anyone who finds themselves in such a predicament should remember to text with clarity, avoiding slang and keeping the phone ready for dispatcher follow-up.
The entire system, available across Saint Louis County's 911 dispatch centers, not only accepts text messages that can include location data but also allows real-time interaction with dispatchers who will maintain contact until the issue is resolved, bringing a modernized approach to emergency communications in the area and offering a silent lifeline to those who need it, detailed the county's announcement on the matter.
County Executive Sam Page gave his praise for this initiative, stating, "The launch of Text to 911 is a meaningful step forward in public safety," and he acknowledged the work done by the Emergency Communications Commission, adding that it's about being accessible to all, especially when every second can make a difference between a bad outcome and a secured safety; moreover, the communication enhancements including Next Generation 911 and various support systems showcase a commitment to embracing a tech-savvy approach for residents' welfare, marking a proactive stride towards comprehensive community care backed by the 911 sales tax approved by local voters in 2009, as mentioned by the Saint Louis County.
The guidelines for using the new Text to 911 feature are straightforward: text the number 911, provide clear information about your location and the emergency, avoid using pictures, videos, emojis, slang or abbreviations, and stay on your phone to receive instructions from dispatchers, a set of simple steps that could be crucial in an emergency situation, reminds the Saint Louis County's official release.
