ONYX

Sheriffs Urge You To Update Your Address On The 911 Database

When an emergency occurs, we all rely on the lightning-fast reflexes of first responders, including sheriffs, firefighters, police and paramedics. But what if they can’t find you?

Recently, a Los Angeles Fire Department dispatcher, responding to a medical emergency concerning an 18-month-old child, sent paramedics to the wrong address. The family’s old address was displayed on the 911 database that links phone numbers to addresses. Apparently, no one had updated the information.

On the tape of the call, the dispatcher and panicked family members could be heard arguing over the correct address. Family members kept insisting they lived on El Dorado Avenue in one town, but the dispatcher’s records indicated a different address and in another town. The dispatcher frantically searched area maps, but continued referencing an address in another town where the family used to live, because their new address and old address shared a cross street with the same name. Eventually, the dispatcher finally found the right street in the right town and re-routed the paramedics.

Paramedics arrived 11 minutes and 40 seconds into the call – just as the girl’s condition stabilized. Fortunately, she was able to recover and is now doing well.

This story has a happy ending, but could have been much different…it could have been the case of a heart attack or another emergency that demands immediate attention. When it comes to 911 emergency calls, a few minutes often makes the difference between life and death.

Make sure the 911 database has the correct information about you.
You can protect yourself from such mishaps by making sure your current address is listed correctly in your local 911 database.

• Call you local sheriff’s office or police department to find out how they compile their 911 database. Some 911 databases are compiled from the Motor Vehicle Administration, while others use phone company records or other sources.
• If the database contains an old address or incorrect address, request that the address be updated.
• Some authorities will ask that you put your request in writing. Do so immediately! Don’t put it off (and possibly forget about it). Should you or your children have an emergency, you want law enforcement and paramedics to be able to find you.