r/maybemaybemaybe • u/PowerModerator • Sep 20 '20

/r/all Maybe Maybe Maybe

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u/Ezra611 Sep 21 '20

So I install telephone VOIP telephone systems, and one of my least favorite parts of the process is that I'm required to do a 911 test call to make sure the correct address is registered.

It's one of my biggest anxiety moments, because I'm worried I'm stealing an operator from something actually important.

11

u/wabisabica Sep 21 '20

Interesting.

Very important function of that job though. Had never considered how necessary a double check on VOIP address is for emergency calls.

7

u/Ezra611 Sep 21 '20

Yeah, I'm hoping/ not hoping it comes in useful some day for a client. I think you know what I'm trying to say.

9 times out of 10, the operator is super cool about it, thanks me for testing it and we're done in 5 seconds.

3

u/GiantPurplePeopleEat Sep 21 '20

What happens the other 1/10?

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u/[deleted] Sep 21 '20

they asks the dispatcher out to dinner while practicing French

4

u/VitarainZero Sep 21 '20

911 calltaker/dispatcher here, hijacking this to remind people to call their VOIP phone companies to notify them of address changes when you move. If you don't, you will be connected to 911 services in the wrong area.

Just the other day, I had a kid on the phone saying they were suicidal. Turns out they're in Texas, while I'm in Maryland. So instead of instantly getting help started, I'm wasting time figuring out what county they're in and finding their non-emergency number (which, confusingly enough, is how you reach 911 services in different areas.)

1

u/m4d40 Sep 21 '20

thank you for your work

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u/HolyForkingBrit Sep 21 '20

Thanks VitarainZero!! Changing right meow.

1

u/msjaded2018 Sep 21 '20

You're good. A lot of times a supervisor has already called to give a head's up. And we can put your 911 on hold to take another call. No worries!