Text-to-911: Why The Emergency Hotline Texting Service Isn't Available In All States

Emergencies can happen anytime which is why the lives of millions of Americans are on the hands of 911 dispatchers who ready to entertain any call coming their way. However, some circumstances aren't call-friendly and there is a need to reach the emergency hotline in silence. 911 texting is already available in some states, but how effective is it really and why haven't all states acquired the service?

Just recently, Orlando and the world witnessed the occurrence and the aftermath of the worst mass shooting in the U.S. Many of the partygoers at Pulse night club texted their relatives to call 911 and send help immediately. Unfortunately, the people at the crime scene couldn't reach the emergency hotline themselves because the texting service is not available in Orlando.

The Washington Post reports that authorities are hesitant of opening a 911 texting service in all states. Instead of saving lives, the additional time of composing a message and sending details of the occurring emergency may cost more lives and slow down response. Also, having another medium may increase the prank reports 911 gets in a day.

Meanwhile, those in favor of the 911 texting service highlights its importance. With it accessible, those caught in noise-sensitive situations such as a hostage or a mass shooting can text 911 without the attacker knowing. Also, it can accommodate the emergency reports of deaf and people who have hearing difficulties (via The Washington Post).

Currently, as per Federal Communications Commission, the service is called text-to-911 and is available only on Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) that have voted for its implementation. PSAPs should request for text-to-911 and U.S. wireless carriers and text messaging providers must make it available in the area within six months.

According to Napa Valley Register, San Bernardino started its Text-to-911 on December of last year after a couple killed 14 people at a social services center. Napa is also interested in acquiring the texting service which might be available in the city next year. New York may also possibly open the service after studying it for almost a year (via The Washington Post).

Are you in favor of Text-to-911 or do you think that the 911 texting service would be for the worse than the better, if made available in all states? Sound off your thoughts in the Comments section below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.