911 is used to receiving prank calls from time to time, but thankfully they are trained well and take all calls seriously. One particular call sounded like a prank in the beginning, but turned out to be a very real emergency.
Dispatchers were asked on Reddit.com what 911 call they will never forget. One that was shared had to do with a woman who called 911 to order pizza. It was far from a prank, and this woman’s quick thinking may haved saved her life.
The transcript of the call was shared:
“911, where is your emergency?”
“123 Main St.”
“Ok, what’s going on there?”
“I’d like to order a pizza for delivery.” (oh great, another prank call).
“Ma’am, you’ve reached 911”
“Yeah, I know. Can I have a large with half pepperoni, half mushroom and peppers?”
“Ummm…. I’m sorry, you know you’ve called 911 right?”
“Yeah, do you know how long it will be?”
“Ok, Ma’am, is everything ok over there? do you have an emergency?”
“Yes, I do.”
“..And you can’t talk about it because there’s someone in the room with you?” (moment of realization)
“Yes, that’s correct. Do you know how long it will be?”
“I have an officer about a mile from your location. Are there any weapons in your house?”
“Nope.”
“Can you stay on the phone with me?”
“Nope. See you soon, thanks”
The operator explained in conclusion: “As we dispatch the call, I check the history at the address, and see there are multiple previous domestic violence calls. The officer arrives and finds a couple, female was kind of banged up, and boyfriend was drunk. Officer arrests him after she explains that the boyfriend had been beating her for a while. I thought she was pretty clever to use that trick. Definitely one of the most memorable calls.”
It’s very sad that this woman felt unable to seek help in the presence of her abuser, but her subtle wording and quick thinking may have saved her life that day.
You deserve a healthy relationship. 1 in 3 women will be abused in their lifetime. If you need help, please call TESSA (719) 633-3819. All calls are completely confidential.
