• wreckedcarzz@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      “your call is very important to us. we are experiencing higher than normal call volumes. please stay on the line.”

      Actually almost a true transcript for what you get when you call 911 in my metropolis and surrounding areas (I’ve called for family members several times). Then once you finally connect to someone and ems shows up, they can be completely braindead workers; a few years ago I correctly identified that I was having a stroke, got help, they called 911, ems came, and refused to transport for over 10 minutes (so I’ve been told by family) after arrival. I’m now permanently disabled with severe physical, cognitive, and vision losses because literally time is the most important factor. Emergency services can be actually worse than useless.

      It would not surprise me in the slightest if they arrive just to say “do we actually know if she is choking? maybe she’s just faking for attention.” or some equally useless conclusion.

    • over_clox@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I’m not saying YT is the best option, nor am I saying it’s the worst. But in such situations, sometimes it’s easier to visually see what to do than to have someone try talking you through it over the phone. Not like an ambulance is gonna magically appear in 30 seconds ya know.

      Besides, what’s the 911 operator gonna tell you that’ll help in a pinch?

      911: Have you tried the Heimlich Maneuver?

      Me: Yes but it’s a sharp bone and it’s stuck!

      911: Do you have any needle nose pliers? Try to reach in and grab it. We’ll send an ambulance, but it’ll be about 20 minutes before they arrive…

      While Grandma is over there turning blue.