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“911, what's your emergency?" Police dispatchers face a lot of stress in their professional lives. Not only do they have to quickly help people who are in need of help or are panicking, but they also need to make hard decisions under pressure. While also learning not to bring their jobs back home with them because, unfortunately, they can’t have closure on all the calls that they take.
However, for some people, calling 911 operators is a joke or a game or they simply don't know better. Reddit users who work as police dispatchers shared some of the most ridiculous, the dumbest non-emergency calls they’ve gotten over the years. And they’re as frustrating as they are funny.
Scroll down for the best of the worst stories. And make sure to read Bored Panda’s interview with a psychotherapist about the type of stress emergency services operators face while on the job, how not to bring that stress home from work, and why people call them when they don’t have emergencies. According to her, when people understand that their jobs are meaningful, they’re much more resilient to the stress they face.
And remember… call the police when there’s an actual emergency, not because you have nothing better to do. Oh, and a quick reminder that you call 911 to reach the emergency services in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The number is 999 or 112 in the United Kingdom, 112 in many other parts of Europe, and can vary from country to country around the world.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My grandma used to call 911 to have the fire department bring her milk (she lived next to the fire department). She did this multiple times. Eventually, the fire chief gave her his direct line and he brought her milk until she came to live with us. She passed away in 2004.
My grandma was in early stages of dementia when this was happening, and it was a small town fire dept with a chief who had known her 30 years.
Chicken Nugget 3 years ago
awwwwww so heartwarming! If only everyone was like this... helping sick people instead of shaming them or blaming their conditions on vaccines
Bored Panda reached out to a psychotherapist based in Lithuania for a chat about police operators and dealing with the stress of the job. She preferred to remain anonymous because of how sensitive her work is.
“People working in emergency services are usually trained on how to react. The entire process usually has a very clear algorithm of actions, the call is standardized and streamlined as much as possible,” she said. “When you clearly know how to act, there’s a bit less stress.”
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#2
This guy calls early in the morning to report a forest fire. He goes on saying it’s getting closer and then goes silent. He then said never mind. The forest fire was the sun coming up. He admitted that he normally isn’t up at this early in the morning.
Marcellus II 3 years ago
Isn't this a normal experience, one year into Corona? "What is that fiery disc up there? Has it always been there?? Why am I out of my house anyhows?".
Chich 3 years ago
Had a guy call me in a panic that the entire mountainside was on fire. I could see the area he was talking about from my base. It was the setting sun shining through clouds. I explained this but he was still in a panic but eventually admitted he had been testing some of his "product"
#3
CALLER: There is a shark in the ocean.
ME: Yes, ma'am, that is where we keep them.
Marcellus II 3 years ago
It's guarding my extensive collection of shells which I keep near there.
little_frog_on_a_log 3 years ago
*walks in* soooo who left their shells unattended? i mean there was this crazy shark, but he didnt do anything. well moral of the story, i have a bunch of new free shells.
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Seanette Blaylock 3 years ago
Or into the golf course water hazard. Australia's already claimed that one. Seriously, they have a golf course with resident sharks in a water hazard.
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UpupaEpops 3 years ago (edited)
This is why I get so annoyed when the media is reporting on"shark infested waters". The sharks aren't infesting anything. They literally live there.
Izzy Curer 3 years ago
Wait. Aren't you supposed to report sightings of large predators along public beaches? I thought this was supposed to help them raise the right flag
Jay Son 3 years ago (edited)
They are. Where I live, they post warning signs and send out texts/emails to warn people about it. So someone calling for this, isn't weird at all.
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Seb Benson 3 years ago
"don't worry ma'am... he's on secondment to the Coast Guard and is on patrol ensuring your safety"
Devil's Advocate 3 years ago
Oh come on, you know exactly why she thought this important, and who else are you supposed to let know that there's a shark lurking around swimming areas?
Rocky Mom 3 years ago
Eh, this isn't so ridiculous to me. Seems like a fair warning could be made for other swimmers, unaware of any possible danger. And yea yea yea, we are the danger, people are the ones being intrusive. Move on.
Dietcocoabean 3 years ago
Most Pandas clicked on this post for a harmless chuckle. I'm truly sorry you didn't find one.
Load More Replies...“Usually, stress arises from confusion, a lack of clarity, as well as either too few or too many choices,” the expert told us.
“If an operator is facing a very difficult situation, they can reduce their stress levels with the help of their colleagues,” she said that the dispatcher can ask their coworkers or supervisor for help or redirect the call to specialized services like firefighters or emergency medical services.
According to the psychotherapist, having clear boundaries and responsibilities both help 911 operators from bringing their jobs and the stress back home with them.
#4
Reporting the moon missing.
Imagine having so much faith in your local police department that you think they can recover the moon.
Serial pacifist 3 years ago
The police performed a mooning in order to restore public peace...and moon.
Vision Jinx 3 years ago
They probably thought it was an apocalyptic event but no just the moon cycle.
Thomas E S Thomas 3 years ago
A lot of people think the moon is attached to the sky and always comes up when the Sun goes down. Blow their mind sometime and point it out when it's up during the day.
AspieGirl88 3 years ago
Next they’ll be calling for help trying to find “Where’s Waldo” (or Wally, if you’re from UK)! 😂
Valerie Smart 3 years ago
Damn police ...get on that missing moon pronto or I’ll report you to....um......someone
#5
When my daughter was 5 she spent a week with my dad. He gave her an old iPhone to play with. He said he got a kick out of it bc she has been “fake talking” to someone all week. Well towards the end of the week she handed the phone to him and he played along and said hello. It was a 911 operator! She had been calling all week to chat with them. They weren’t mad but wanted to let my dad know that out of service iphones can still call 911.
Kishibe Angelo 3 years ago
we meet again chicken nugget you fell on my floor last week and escaped
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Huddo's sister 3 years ago
Don't all old phones, even without sims, have the capability to call 911? In Australia they can call 000 (or 112 if out out service range) just in case needed.
Kimi Tomminello 3 years ago (edited)
Yes. All mobile phones can dial emergency services no matter if they are activated or not.
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Molly Whuppie 3 years ago (edited)
...wouldn't the 911 operator have sent someone out to check everything was ok? Especially if the kid had been calling all week. But even just that first time.
AY1984 3 years ago
Not necessarily since it was a cell phone. They can usually get a general area but not an exact location.
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Id row 3 years ago
There's a scary amount of 911 resources being wasted, which puts other real emergencies at risk. This is not an 'awww' situation.
BJames 3 years ago
In a lot of areas, 911 operators spend a lot of time idle. Hardly a life or death situation here.
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HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
A friend's granddaughter, age 3, got her phone while she was in the shower. Because it was locked, she called 911 to get the password. So, the police showed up to make sure everything was ok, and tell the baby when it is ok to call 911. She giggled while her grandmother stood there mortified.
GoldfishCrackers 3 years ago
I was always under the impression that 911 came no matter what when a child called. Just to make sure things were really okay. Maybe not…
Shiju B 3 years ago
That's a newer protocol. Well new for me. The early 90s were more likely to mKe a judgment call.
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S. Mi 3 years ago
Remove batteries before giving kids old cell phones. Makes then safer in so many ways!
BJames 3 years ago
Good luck removing a battery from a modern cell phone.
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#6
Bloke rang in a panic and said he was being burgled. Had walked to the bathroom in the middle of the night and seen a guy on the landing. Sprinted back to his bedroom and rang the police. 3 cop cars and a dog unit speed over to his house and do a sweep of the house. Couldn’t find anything. When one cop asked him where he’d seen this guy he showed him the hallway which had a very large full sized mirror at the end. Turns out the guy had seen his own reflection in the dark.
April Pickett 3 years ago
Nuisance calls should have a fee attached to them to help cover that cost.
“You have to clarify which actions were taken to give help to others and what is beyond the competence of the operator. It’s also important to vent the emotions that you feel at work,” she urged dispatchers to speak about the difficulties of the job with their other colleagues. If that’s not possible to do, it’s vital that they seek help outside the workplace and speak to a psychologist.
“Two of the most important factors that help maintain psychological resilience are: the support given by loved ones and colleagues, and the existence of a safe social space to speak about hardships,” she told Bored Panda.
“It’s only natural that when you react to dramatic and tragic events, you face emotions like anxiety, anger, a sense of hopelessness, and others. The job of a dispatcher brings with it various psychological challenges, so it’s important to ensure that the people who take up this calling don’t just use up their personal resources but also manage to recharge them.”
#7
My wonderful nephew who has physical and intellectual disabilities called 911 because the cat stole his piece of chicken. Because he can't really speak they must have heard basically grunts and groans as he tried to tell his story. They got to his house and found out everything was okay and he enjoyed the attention from the officers who responded. Unfortunately they had to teach him to NOT call 911 after that because he called three or four times after the first time because he wanted to see his new 'friends'.
Jacob Rosenberg (Swedemire) 3 years ago
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I Just Changed My Name 3 years ago
So pure. I hope he has my some friends that he can call upon since then.
Mickie Shea 3 years ago
Must be the cat's fault.They will borrow. Mine took some meat and brought a dead mouse in exchange. Nice kitty.
#8
Dispatched for a 200 sq mile district with under 70k people, so even the main city wasn't very densely populated. Got a call one night on 911 from a guy who wanted animal control dispatched. Convo went like this: Caller: There's a racoon! Me: Where is the racoon? (Thinking we might be able to send someone if it's trapped inside or something) Caller: In my front yard! He's in the tree! Me: I think that's where racoon live, sir. Caller: But I live in the city! Racoons can't live in the city! Me:........ I dont think the racoon can read the city limits sign.
J. F. 3 years ago
Not that uncommon. Here in Germany we have foxes and racoons in bigger cities because they find food there and won't be shot at. Had a fox sitting next to me at a bus stop in a Berlin suburb once
Luther von Wolfen 3 years ago (edited)
I live in a small city and I'm always happy to see animals in my yard. So far, I've seen garter snakes, stray cats, skunks, opossums, groundhog - s/he lives under my shed - rabbits and squirrels. Still hoping for a raccoon.
Candia Lee 3 years ago
I've had possums, but the dogs chase and corner them. Rattle snakes in a woodpile, under the porch, in the dog pen gateway. Really excited the one time I saw a squirrel. Coyotes until I put the fence up. Foxes on occasion. Cattle egrets! Had a small flock chasing the grasshoppers after a mowing. The males get beautiful yellow throats during mating season. The worst are the roof rats and the black vultures. I keep a brick handy for bonking the house power poles when they roost there; trying a kite in a tree to keep them away from another roost.
Load More Replies... GoldfishCrackers 3 years ago
If I were a raccoon, I’d go to the city. Trash can take out every night!
De Gueb 3 years ago
What should I do, see photo. taking dog out before going to bed. We see them all the time. sometimes I live food for them. image_2022...7f-png.jpg 
Candia Lee 3 years ago
You leave food for wild boars? Some parts of Texas pay bounties for dead boars, they are such a problem. These look like young ones; lots of luck ...
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#9
One caller was concerned for his safety when going outside his house because the neighbor a couple of houses down had his table saw out in his garage and he was afraid the wind would blow the blade over to his house and injure him.
MyOpinionHasBeenServed 3 years ago
Tbh those are terrifying things and I do have that fear the blade will just come loose and wreck havoc. But never thought of reporting anyone for them.
Marcellus II 3 years ago
The one in the photo IS terrifying. There is no remotely safe way to use it! [Tablesaws: causing 42% of woodworking accidents, and amputations in roughly a third of cases. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3498745/ ]
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abby smink 3 years ago
Sounds like very high levels of anxiety/catastrophising/ocd. Been there.
Warren Hazelton 3 years ago
He should be glad he doesn't live in my neighborhood. My neighbor made a "table saw" by attaching an upside-down circular saw to a sawhorse with two pieces of metal strapping.
Some ways to recharge include developing high-quality social relationships, hobbies that bring enjoyment (e.g. drawing, music, various sports), and having the support of the workplace which can organize supervisory groups, seminars, and provide access to wellbeing consultants.
We also asked the psychotherapist to comment on the fact that some people call police dispatchers without any emergencies in mind. “I’d call that a plea for help, just directed to the wrong address,” she said.
“Odds are that the caller is having a rough time. A large number of them are probably kids or teenagers who aren’t being taken care of by their parents. Or people who have problems with staying sober,” the expert said that these people have a need for attention and to be taken care of.
#10
Had a guy call, in a serious panic, saying someone was trying to break into his house. He sounded super panicked, anxious. I heard loud knocking through the phone. The caller also threw in "I pay your f**king taxes now SEND THE F**KING COPS, I DON'T WANT TO DIE", etc... I could hear that constant loud door banging and a muffled voice. The guy then throws in "I just had pizza delivered here, and now I have someone trying to break into my house!!"... and then I could hear through the phone, the delivery guy say "sir, you forgot your change!", over and over. That was back in 2009 and still bothers me at the utter stupidity.
kathoco 3 years ago (edited)
I’d say someone was at the post-munchies paranoia stage of smoking weed.
I Just Changed My Name 3 years ago
That sounds like a legit hypothesis. Ish can be scary when things are altered
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Devil's Advocate 3 years ago
Yeah, why would he even try after the door was closed? End of transaction, off you go
Load More Replies... AspieGirl88 3 years ago
If he wanted to break into your house so badly, he would’ve come crashing through the windows instead of hammering at your door ... but I guess there’s no way to get someone that paranoid to see the logic there. 🤷♀️😅
Mickie Shea 3 years ago
There is always a danger of hungry bad people, who will follow deliveries of the savory food.
Matthew Rasanen 3 years ago
Paranoia on that level sounds more like meth amphetamines, which is famous for creating paranoia in long-term users. Even though meth can quell the appetite, the users still need to eat.
#11
Got a call for a rat running around a shelf in the callers room. Keep in mind - I take my job seriously. Everyone’s call is an emergency to them, I’ll respect that. This is the only call I’ve almost broke on and laughed. She had a thick accent and was on the verge of tears - and I was struggling to understand her. Eventually, after much confusion, she spells out M O U S E and mimics a mouse laugh (something like MA HEHEHEHEHEHEH) and I about lost it, I had to mute my phone and stand up. The mouse impression was like nothing I’ve ever heard, just so visceral and out of left field. She was so afraid of this mouse though, we did send over an officer to clear the house for her. I stayed on the phone with her until responders arrived and comforted her, ensuring this wasn’t a dumb call to make, and that our officers would be happy to help.
Cold Contagious 3 years ago (edited)
I was my 7 yr old daughter's Brownie troop leader. All parents were late pickups on Friday evening, so we didn't get home till after dark. Unlock door, walk in house, oldest F10 says mom, someone's turning our bedroom door handle, I look, there's a coat hanger on the outside moving along with the handle. Scared shîtless, I point and tell my kids to get back in the car, I pull the door shut and run. We drive down to the gas station about a eighth of a mile from the house and call 911. See the sheriff go by and follow him back. He asks what's going on and I tell him about the doorknob. He goes in, weapon drawn, clears the house, comes back. He says, mam, I saw what you were talking about and for a couple seconds I thought I was going to see some action tonight, but do you have a cat... Yes, we have a cat. Well mam, I almost shot your cat but figured out it wasn't a suspect. It was stuck in the bedroom and was trying to open the door. It almost had it. We were so embarrassed, cont below
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AspieGirl88 3 years ago
To be fair, she could have been suffering an anxiety/panic attack for all they knew, so they made the right call. I suffer panic attacks which have certain triggers & you actually feel as though you’re going to die & every breath you take is like trying to inhale through a plastic drinking straw, so it’s always a good idea to reassure people who are suffering any type of anxiety, rather than leaving them to fend for themselves. It can be more serious than most people think, too. 😯
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
My goodness, my city's police force don't show up when you call them for an actual crime! Unless someone is dead or dying, you can wait for hours for a response.
#12
Someone called to tell us we don't need to use lights and sirens at night on our emergency vehicles because it woke up their baby.
Ryan-James O'Driscoll 3 years ago
People complain to the air ambulance about being disturbed at night. Some people are just so wrapped up in their own little world.
Penny Fan 3 years ago
We have the Coastguard heli up often where I live. Facebook is a hive of moaning and complaining. Every. Single. Time. B***h if you were in trouble on one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the country, trust me, you'd want every rescue organisation there is.
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GirlFriday 3 years ago
When I worked for the City of Indianapolis, we had a couple that bought a house two houses down from the Fire Station and every time the fire trucks were dispatched, they would call 911 and complain about the lights and noise. They were told to stop calling 911 or they would be fined so they called the City office I worked in. The man yelled screamed about the lights and sirens and wanted my home number so he could call me every time he was awakened by the trucks or ambulance. I looked up the properties and said, "Sir, it says here that your house was built in 1992 and that you purchased the home in 2007. Is that correct?" He said it was. Then I said, "The address of [insert station address] is the fire station, correct?" He said it was correct. I said, "Sir, that building has been a continuously working fire station since 1975. Did you not see it on the corner before you bought the house?" He said he did, but he didn't think it would be very busy and he wanted us to move it.
Seanette Blaylock 3 years ago
Enjoy the fines, moron. Hopefully, he gets hit hard enough in the wallet that he decides to do the sensible thing and move somewhere that isn't RIGHT NEXT TO THE FIRE STATION.
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Bobby 3 years ago
I could understand the siren part. After they get where they are going they usually cut the siren but leave the lights. But I did have an ambulance outside my place on a dead end road that forgot to cut the siren and left it running the whole 45min they were there. I would never call to complain about that though, just grumble about it in my head as I'm trying to sleep
Milan 3 years ago
Its very common to not use siren at night in Slovakia, specially when roads are empty. Just the lights 😉
Sofie Carmine 3 years ago
Thought that said Sokovia......someone's a little too Marvel obsessed
Load More Replies... Dylan Bess 3 years ago
What? I don’t care someone’s in critical condition and might suffer a car crash if the sirens are not on! You woke up my baby!
AspieGirl88 3 years ago
Go sing your kid a lullaby, instead of ranting through a phone to someone who can’t even do anything about your complaint anyway! SMH. 🤦♀️
marianne eliza 3 years ago
Where I live the roads are pretty empty at night. But there is a retirement community a couple of blocks away and of course that means lots of EMS calls. One ambulance crew always uses lights and sirens, regardless of time of day, regardless of amount of traffic (or none at all). Very annoying as they respond to that large community several times per day/night. Very disturbing as it always reminds the rest of town that someone has died or will soon. But anyway... there is no need for sirens if there is no one else on the road.
According to her, sometimes even when people directly express these needs, they still don’t necessarily have them taken care of. “However, when they get in touch with emergency services, they feel like they’re being listened to. Sometimes, even an entire team of people reacts to a single person’s problems. It might be that these callers do need (a different kind of) help, but they’re lost or don’t know better and try to look for solutions by calling emergency services.”
#13
Calls 911 from a pay phone.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
“I don’t have an emergency. I didn’t have quarter and I want to talk to a cop.”
“Do you have $699.75?”
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
“Sir, 911 is for emergencies. You can be fined for misusing 911.”
“Are you gonna get me a f**king cop or not?”
“Sure.”
Yeh. He got the fine for it.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
Good. It's all well and good helping out old people or children, or people with disabilities, who don't understand what an emergency is, but adults who should know better have to be fined.
Bobby 3 years ago
Honestly as much as I am sucker for a feel good story, I hate when they put out the ones about a kid or someone with dementia calling for non-emergency purposes and the feel good moment that happens after. I'm just paranoid it'll become a new tik-tok challenge and keep someone who needs help from getting it
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#14
Dude called 911 because he got off a train at the wrong stop and was broke. Honestly it wasn't even his predicament so much as he was absolutely obnoxious about it, even called 911 severel more times after I had already told him officers were en route. Annoying that he's tying up a line for medical emergencies, but that being said i'm going to preach a little: If you honestly think you may have an emergency but aren't sure if it "qualifies" for 911 use, don't worry about it and just do it. All emergency services personnel would much rather have much ado about nothing than have something terrible happen when it could have been prevented. This goes for all types of emergencies/situations.
Luther von Wolfen 3 years ago
I work in a homeless shelter. Guests sometimes call 911 for non-emergencies. One guy called and wanted the police to come because we wouldn't let him sleep on the floor. They came, talked to him for a bit and then took him for psych eval. I really appreciate the emergency services people who come here and deal with our guests.
Katie Quinlan 3 years ago
I really appreciate you referring to them as your guests-- a 911 dispatcher
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Sandra DeRosia 3 years ago
I called 911 one time because my dog was dying and I lived in a metropolitan area and I couldn't figure out what vet might be open like I had already called a million of them and she was sneezing blood everywhere. They helped me find an emergency vet and were really helpful.
Joan Zatorski 3 years ago
This is a very touching story and certainly reflects well on the 911 workers' level of compassion. I've been in emergency situations with my dogs and being distraught makes it quite difficult to retrieve the information you need from a Google search etc. I now have the vet 24- hr ER phone # on cell phone auto-call list
Load More Replies... Cyd Charisse 3 years ago
311 is non-emergency in the USA. I'm not sure why that isn't more well-known. There are many service numbers like this. 511 will get you local traffic and road info... 811 is for construction/utilities ("call before you dig")... 211 is public health/community
Joan Zatorski 3 years ago
I had no idea these numbers and services existed! Thank you very much for sharing this information!
Load More Replies... LH25 3 years ago
We recently called 911 after some back-and-forth about it. I am having a really bad flare-up of back issues, and couldn't get out of bed one morning. My legs felt like wood, I was scared I'd fall and the pain was making me light-headed. So we did call, and told the operator it wasn't a life-or-death thing, I just needed help. They couldn't have been nicer. They got me up and in a chair in the front room. Even said that if I needed help in the future for things like getting into our car for medical appointment to call them.
Andy Acceber 3 years ago
I dunno. I live in a place where the emergency dispatch line is underfunded, and there's often a hold/wait time. That number should be for life or limb only -- same as the emergency room. If someone's life is in danger or they might lose a body part, definitely call. Otherwise, phone a friend or a non-emergency line. Leave that emergency line open for people who really need it.
Id row 3 years ago
I like how when kids do it, it's "Awwww", but when adults do it's "Annoying that he's tying up a line for medial emergencies". If a kid is calling to chat, it's still tying up a line for medical emergencies. It's just as bad.
Jacob Rosenberg (Swedemire) 3 years ago
Good luck trying to get the thick-headed dunces on this site to understand that
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Oopsydaisy 3 years ago
I can't believe you would dispatch police for this. Pretty sure here in Australia he'd be told 'ok, mate, what do you want us to do about it?' I mean, if it was a child they'd help, but not an adult.
Candia Lee 3 years ago
So a lost, panicky, out-of-pocket person doesn't deserve help because he's past an arbitrary age limit? I would hate to think that my town wouldn't help.
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G R 3 years ago
Ugh, I once called 999 because I'd gone blind and starting vomiting black tar-like stuff a few days after throat surgery, and they completely yelled at me and said I was naughty and lazy and should have just drunk more water. Turned out they'd accidentally given me codeine which I'm very allergic to, and missed the fact I had a post-surgical infection in the wound.
Bob Stuart 3 years ago
I called 911 about an illegal eviction in progress. Now I live a thousand miles away, and won't call 911 without legal advice.
#15
CALLER: I want to report a robbery.
ME: Tell me what happened.
CALLER: I am at Burger King and I ordered 6 chicken nuggets but they only gave me 5.
Mickie Shea 3 years ago
Now, that isa a crime. If he did indeed pay for six. Nuggets, gold or chicken are wonderful.
#16
Caller: The doors to the Circle K are locked and I don’t see anyone inside. They are supposed to be open 24/7. Me: Sometimes they do that when they need to use the restroom. Just give it a couple of minutes. Caller: I’ve been standing out here for 10 minutes! Me: Sometimes it’s more than pee.
Vanessa Richardson 3 years ago
This one isn’t so bad—something could have happened to the clerk.. like, who’s to say they aren’t tied up in the walk-in after a robbery or something? Then again, this guy could have just been impatient. Lol
Hannah Edwards 3 years ago
Genuine concern and potentially a genuine emergency. The call handler was a bit naive.
Mickie Shea 3 years ago
So true and at night there ought be two on duty, unless the clerks were a do'n something better done in private.
#17
Tons of calls about people being the "wrong" race in their neighborhood.
Chicken Nugget 3 years ago
It's so sad how, almost 150 years after the emancipation proclamation and 50 years after the civil rights movements, people can still be this racist.
King Kashue 3 years ago
That's what 246 years of slavery and 100 years of Jim Crow will do. If white supremacy's a tree, those root run *deep*. The first permanent legislature in the US was founded 403 years ago - for 346 of those years, the laws of our nation *explicitly* said Black Americans weren't equal to white Americans. You know what's older than full legal equality for Black Americans? Literally every single Boomer. Humans in Space. The Microchip. The Wonder Bra. Video games. Even on paper equality for Black Americans has only existed for 58 years. There are people who were born into the Jim Crow era who don't have grey hair yet. You know who was born before the end of Jim Crow? Dr. Dre. Courtney C*x. Robert Downey Jr. IronMan and Monica Geller are *older* than full legal equality for Black Americans. Our inequity was built over centuries - we're not going to fix that with only a handful of half-hearted decades.
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WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
People should start demanding for a federal Caren Act. Caution Against Racially and Exploitative Non-Emergencies. In San Francisco this act was passed in October 2020. Violators will be liable in court to general damages of at least $1,000 plus costs and attorney's fees, and punitive damages.
Mark Johansen 3 years ago
Once a contractor who was repairing my driveway said to me, "This seems like a nice neighborhood. No black people." I wasn't in the mood for an argument so I said nothing and walked away. About a year later I married a black woman. I thought, if he'd said that when she was here, it would have been such fun to answer, "Yeah, the only black person I know of in the whole neighborhood is my wife". I mentioned this to her and she said I could offer him something to drink and then let her bring it out to him and introduce herself.
Bob D. Lin Quint 3 years ago
Americans bring over black people from Africa. Convince each other they're stupid animals and then put them to work. Every goes along with it because free labor is great, if you're the one making the profit of course. Most people didn't care, or actually saw Africans as no better than a donkey, and some even relished in their misery. Slavery has always been one of mankind's worst inventions. Yes, the free labor is what cultivates it, but it's our desire for order and status that holds it together. Needing to feel like you're better than those who aren't as intelligent or successful. It sucks. Corporations and business owners are the ones up top, but we're the ones who seek out our own superiority to blanket it across the lessers we see. It's our nature to want someone beneath us..Slavery is still alive and well. The only thing that can stop it is the Elden Ring. Out now on PS4, Xbox one, Tiger game watches, and few outdated televisions from the 60s where the screen was 2 inches wide.
HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
Just a quick historical reminder. The monarch of England and his brother started The Royal African Company in 1660. It was Charles II who brought the first slaves to the British Colonies.
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#18
Frantic Caller: "I want to report a suspicious male!"
Me: "Ok, where is he?" (gets location) "What makes him suspicious?"
Caller: "Well he's walking down the street carrying a dangerous weapon!"
Me: "What kind of weapon does he have and what is he doing with it?"
Caller: "HE HAS A SNAKE. IT...IT'S AROUND HIS NECK! SOMEONE SHOULD DO SOMETHING!"
Me: "....Ma'am, a snake is not a weapon nor is it illegal."
AnnaBanana 3 years ago
Being from Australia, I'd argue that snakes could be classed as a weapon!
Vision Jinx 3 years ago (edited)
It was probably a python. They are pretty docile. I have two ball pythons myself. They are pretty derpy snakes actually. Total goofballs! Can you imagine what this caller was thinking though? Did they think this guy was going to use his snake as a lasso or a whip or throw them on some unexpecting stranger?
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
There seems to be a theme of people 'reacting' to something that hasn't even happened yet. A butter knife could be a weapon, but you don't need to call the cops if I'm making my lunch!
Auntriarch 3 years ago
Even though I have a nice sharp pointy cheese knife
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Lillian Swaim 3 years ago
There's a young man who rides his unicycle down my street often, with his cockatoo on his shoulder.
Marianne Wallace 3 years ago
Obviously the operator has never seen "Yellowstone" if he/she thinks that snakes can't be used as weapons, lol.
#19
Guy called 911 before because he ordered a Filet-O-Fish from the drive-thru at McDonald’s and it had ketchup on it.
He was adamant about wanting the police to show up…His “argument” was that he worked at McDonald’s when he was 16 and you don’t put ketchup on Filet-O-Fish.
He got the police alright…and a DUI charge.
Bender Bending Rodríguez 3 years ago (edited)
I do and when I eat it, I'm lovin' it.
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Seanette Blaylock 3 years ago
No, doofus, the cook at a fast food place screwing up what sauce is on your sandwich is NOT an emergency.
HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
My boomer ass is tired of all the insults. EVERY case of issues at drive-thru incidents have been 30 and under.
Load More Replies... #20
Had a guy call at like 3am, whispering. He and his wife had stayed up drinking, she had passed out on top of him, and he couldn't get up. And could barely breathe. She was 400lbs+ and he was 150. They had just moved from out of state, and he didn't remember his address. And couldn't reach any pieces of mail. And was calling from a cell phone (in the days before smart phones). That was a fun one to figure out.
Oopsydaisy 3 years ago
There was an incident in rural Queensland, Australia, where a woman dropped dead and fell on her husband and he couldn't get her off. He was there for seven days until a postie realised something was wrong and went in to take a look. There was a short film called Seven Days Under Mavis which was based on this incident. It's worth s look if you can find it.
Laurie F. Daut 3 years ago
That film won several awards. I'd like to see it.
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Tyranamar Seuss 3 years ago
Poor guy. So glad he could call 911. This could totally be deadly. Not stupid at all.
Davo gifman 3 years ago
It was probably all he could do since his chest was compressed.
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#21
CALLER: There is this light in the sky, out over the harbor.
ME: (looking out the window from which I can see the area). Sir, that is the moon.
April Stephens 3 years ago
I can relate. One morning, the sun looked so freaky to me. I don't know what exact atmospheric conditions caused it, but it was veiled behind these clouds so you could almost glance directly at it and see it as a white circle. On top of that, it wasn't where I expected it to be in the sky for that time of day and year (must have been my error). Was it an eclipse, was it aliens, was I going crazy? I was weirded out enough to text a friend about it, but not to call 911!
Candia Lee 3 years ago
My friend was concerned about a double star she kept seeing, called me one night to verify. I went outside, and sure enough, I saw a double star where she indicated. Then I put my driving glasses on ... and could see more clearly: one star.
Load More Replies... Valerie Smart 3 years ago
Police are 💯 out there reclaiming the lost moon. Round of doughnuts on me
AngelWingsYT 3 years ago
First you complain its gone now you complain its back yeesh make up your mind
#22
Me: 9-1-1, police, fire, ambulance. "Police! Send the f**king cops to **address** now, there's a serious emergency". Silence. Then suddenly I hear tons of laughter, from grown adults. "Hahahaha, don't actually send the cops, this is just a joke". I also heard in the background "I can't believe he really did it!". The cops were already dispatched and by the time they got to the house they were not amused.
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
Again, fine them with ridiculous fines. "Here sir, a $700 fine for abuse of the emergency number.... Just kidding, it's a $7000 fine. Do call us again...."
amm 3 years ago
I think the U.S. should do this, you know instead of bankrupting the people who actually need emergency services
Load More Replies... #23
Two women called screaming so violently I was convinced they were being mauled or murdered. Their neighbors ferret slipped under the door to their apartment.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
I freak out when my mum's ferret comes near me, but I would never call emergency. It would be nice if mum listened to my panic and shut it away when I came over though...
KariLovesHerKat 3 years ago
The ferret lives there you don't. Why should it be put away?
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Lynn H 3 years ago
Nope. I would rather have that mouse running around my room than a damn ferret. I got attacked by 4 of them one morning at a friend's house and I was genuinely afraid.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
I am just as paranoid about mice to be honest. The first share house I lived in had one and I was particularly freaked out when I was trying to sleep and I thought I heard it in my room.
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Seanette Blaylock 3 years ago
I'd love to meet a ferret, but I happen to live in California, which is the ONLY state in the US that bans them.
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Mickie Shea 3 years ago
Ferrets can cause great harm, although some are very pleasant to be around.
#24
Ambulance dispatch. Called for us to hand them the remote from across the living room. Yeah.
Oopsydaisy 3 years ago
I'm going to presume they had a disability. They shouldn't have called an ambulance, but maybe they are used to calling ambulances?
Poppy 3 years ago
I work in Ambulance control in the UK, we've had that phone call too. We've had a call from someone complaining about how loud the sirens were, on an episode of Ambulance on TV.
Mark Johansen 3 years ago
I've heard of cases where someone called 911 for a non-emergency and got fined, and I thought, "Well, what's the definition of 'emergency'?" This is one where the person should definitely have been fined.
Valerie Smart 3 years ago
Tax payers dollars at work y’all. Lazy ass fat asses can’t do s**t for themselves . Has to have help
#25
Caller: I’d like to report a suspicious person. Operator: Ok, what does he look like? Caller: he’s wearing X and he’s black Operator: Ok, what is he doing that’s suspicious? Caller: nothing but he just looks really suspicious. Turns out he’s just a man walking.
Devil's Advocate 3 years ago
Definitely. At least the call handler realised and dealt with it rather than sending officers!
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Raven DeathShade 3 years ago
Oh yes, he's under arrest for the MOST HEINOUS crime of minding his own business while being black. Clearly, this deserves the full police force. /s.
Rylee Evergreen 3 years ago
Clearly. WHAT a crime. How horrible. How despicable. I can't bear to speak of it.
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K Witmer 3 years ago
Yes this kind of call gets people murdered by the police
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Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Why? Just why? Yes, a person who isn't just like you exists. And.... that's okay. It really is.
Dorothy Parker 3 years ago (edited)
These callers reporting things like going to a pool while black, watching birds in Central Park while black, selling water while black (a child!) jogging while black, etc. should be fined!
UpQuarkDownQuark 3 years ago
This is where the white guy pops up and says it’s racist to assume it wasn’t a black caller.
#26
911 education day at elementary schools were the worst because around 3:30 the phones would light up with kids testing to see if it really worked. But my favorite 911 of all time: Frightened Teenaged Boy: Um, yes, I was, uh, having sex with my girlfriend and the, uh, condom came off and she, uh, she still has it. Um, inside.
Bob D. Lin Quint 3 years ago
"Sir, I know this gonna sound gross, but.... You might have to stick your finger in there."
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
And “Sweetie remember, not everybody is a ‘magnum’. Next time buy a realistic size. If there is a next time, that is”.
Load More Replies... Luther von Wolfen 3 years ago
Oh, that's sad. Kids really need someone they can talk to about sex. I hope the 911 dispatcher helped them out.
Roxy Eastland 3 years ago
That's a good reason to phone. Good for him for having the courage to do so.
Shane S 3 years ago
Not an emergency but bless his little naive heart because I bet they were both freaking out. He gets a pass on this one
Smilejustbecause 3 years ago
In middle school, the students were given condoms in the sex education class, but I liked girls so I was so confused
BORKADYMUSIC 3 years ago
Ahahah I get that, I’m asexual and always get so confused when my (Christian) parents tell me not to have sex before marriage, bro I’m just??? Not gonna have sex. At all. I’m not into that kinda thing.
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Stannous Flouride 3 years ago
"The only way to get it out is to put your mouth over the opening..."
Ginger Winters 1 year ago
There's been a lot of stories of ladies who had to go to the er and some even needed surgery to remove condoms that got stuck inside this could legit be an emergency
#27
On the iPhone you can snooze your alarm by pressing the lock button, coincidentally you can also call 911 by pressing the lock button multiple times, I’ve done this twice now and both times the guy on the line laughed at me.
Mark Johansen 3 years ago
I'm suddenly glad I have an Android. That seems like a really dumb design feature. I think I'll design a car where if you press the button once the headlights come on, and if you press it twice the car blows itself up.
BookCrazyTeen 3 years ago
I almost accidentally did this once. I had my headphones in and my phone in my pocket, I was talking to someone and was trying to turn the volume down but it didn’t seem to be working. They walked away, I pulled out my phone, turns out I was spam clicking the lock button and I just had to swipe right to call 911. Nearly gave me a heart attack when I saw the screen.
Joley Hidaka 3 years ago
i thought i was adjusting the volume but turns out i was lock button calling 911 and that's embarrassing
Alan Gale 3 years ago
Keep the 991 function, and ditch "Snooze." (If you have set an alarm, damn well get up when it goes off!)
bob bruce 3 years ago
Maybe your phone can't do it, but mine lets me set the alarm for all sorts of things. Sometimes it's really useful to have the alarm go off early as a first reminder, and hit snooze so the next alarm is when I need to actually do something.
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Rukkia 3 years ago
I accidentally did this one night. Woke up and went to turn off my audiobook. Called and dropped my phone at the same time. Apologized to the lady and went back to sleep. Saw red and blue later when I briefly woke up. They had driven by just to make sure nothing was wrong at the house.
Miles Mawyer 3 years ago
I used to have a Blackberry Pearl, with the little marble roller for navigation. It used to call 911 in my pocket quite frequently. Quite annoying.
Holy Moly 3 years ago
That's why it came with that nice leather case. The case has a magnet in it so the phone auto locks when it is inserted in its case.
Load More Replies... #28
911 call for Foreign Body in the abdomen... belly button lint, it was blue belly button lint.
Bender Bending Rodríguez 3 years ago
I always wonder where does belly button lint comes from. You take shower in morning there is nothing but when you undress for before bed shower there it is. What kind of dark magic is this.
#29
Caller: I had a lady friend over, I went to get us drinks, there was $400 on my dresser, now she's gone and so is the money.
Me: (trying to get a description) what was her name, do you know where she lives, etc since he opened with saying he knew her
Caller: ughhhhh um I'm not really sure. I can't remember
Me: You don't know your "friends" name? (Awkward pause) do you want to find out and call back?
User# 6 3 years ago
Oh, you sweet, innocent mortal. It was obviously a prostitute.
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Donna J Clark 3 years ago
a lady "friend" who's name is unknown and charges $400 for her time.... I think there is a name for that
Bob D. Lin Quint 3 years ago
Never leave your dough unattended with your hoe. Not until the Great Garden Bakeoff has climaxed
Mark Johansen 3 years ago
So ... he picked up a prostitute, left money for her, and now he's mad that she took it? What, wasn't he satisfied with the quality of her services?
Shane S 3 years ago
Tindr date gone bad? If you’re going to have someone over for an anonymous liaison, don’t leave money visible.
Zaza 3 years ago
Prostitutes don't provide their services if you haven't given them the money, or have it clearly visible
Load More Replies... #30
Ran out of beer at house party and to save anyone drunk driving, could we deliver some.
BorPand8 3 years ago
Hope the cops went to the party and hung around to arrest anyone trying to drive drunk
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Holy Moly 3 years ago
They don't have delivery from the liquor store? The $7 fee and tip is cheaper than DUI AND you don't have to deal with cops
Load More Replies... April Stephens 3 years ago
Recently I have seen ads for a beer/drink delivery service in my area, like Doordash from the liquor store. Hopefully these people learn about that (or just sober up).
#31
Karens not getting their way. One lady wanted to speak to officers because the people she was harassing were "sassy" with her... Officer told her that being sassy is not against the law lol Another guy called in about employees calling his girlfriend fat and telling them to leave the store. His full grown girlfriend was trying to ride in the small store cart and employees said she was too big for it and to get out of it or leave the store. A male Karen called approx 20 times in a few hour span screaming about a home coming dance music and that he pays taxes and they shouldn't be allowed to have dances and other nonsense.
Valerie Smart 3 years ago
All Karen’s should have their own island . We would be so much better off
WednesdayAddams'HashbrownOrder 3 years ago
There's no such thing as a male Karen, though. Call him Steve or Chad or something.
#32
Didn't like the way the neighbors threw out their garbage.
Chicken Nugget 3 years ago
to be honest, leaving trash bags open will cause raccoons. My neighbor (whose communal trash can thing is in my backyard) once caused a raccoon infestation in my attic.
Marcellus II 3 years ago
Really, "cause raccoons"? Living in a raccoon-free country, I'd like to meet one! If they generate spontaneously from wrongly-packed rubbish I will try that.
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Kimi Tomminello 3 years ago (edited)
A couple restaurants in the town near where I live decided it was cheaper to dump their waste on the outskirts of town instead of renting a dumpster... My little neighborhood wound up rat infested and both restaurants were shut down. Improper dumping is a crime.
kath morgan 3 years ago
We’ve had to make that call before; house down the street was attracting serious rats.
#33
Asking what the number to 911 is.
Serial pacifist 3 years ago
Now, sir, calm down and follow my instructions: Take the stapler off the table and apply it gently to your forehead. You should hear a hissing sound of the air coming out of your empty skull which will relieve the pressure and anxiety you are feeling.
Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 3 years ago
This is the best comment of the year. Congratulations
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Laura Mende (Human) 3 years ago
This is a classic quote by Homer Simpson. I don't remember which episode though...
Seán Baron 3 years ago
Your fingers are too fat to call 911. Please mash the numbers for a dialling wand!
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Rochelle Jones 3 years ago
I went to a police station and saw a mother trying to get help for her unruly son. He was sitting in the foyer talking to a cop and the mother was inside with another, she was in tears.
Laura Ferber 3 years ago
I would rather someone call 911 for help when they've run out of parenting tools than hurt their child. My 5th child is unlike any child most books will acknowledge. I pulled into a police station once because I literally just needed help parenting her. I had run out of healthy parenting tools.
#34
Parents who call on children for not listening or throwing tantrums. I mean kids 6 and under. Had a guy call 3 times in a night for his son and he got mad at me for telling him to use the non emergency number and not 911.
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
Should have reported him for abuse of the emergency number. In the Netherlands the fine is way too low (generally a €300 fine. Really excessive abuse can go up to a €6700 fine.). If you're really an @sshole you can get up to 3 months in jail.
Hannah Edwards 3 years ago
Still worth sending someone over as a non emergency. Clearly a parent at the end of their tether. They maybe need putting in touch with a parenting group or classes for support. Frustrated, tired and angry parents have been known to harm their offspring.
Devil's Advocate 3 years ago
Why would you suggest he call any number about his kid's tantrum??
#35
Someone called 9-1-1 to report "a stranger called me a b**ch at the train station". My colleague had to inform the caller that namecalling isn't a crime.
kostas perperidis 3 years ago
Yes, but you don't call (the German equivalent to) 911 though...
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Smilejustbecause 3 years ago
Ha! I’m going to call 911 every time my girlfriend calls me a brat 😂
Stress levels can soar high for those in professions like policing and emergency services. With the pressure to make timely and impactful decisions, having a light-hearted moment can be invaluable for stress relief.
If you need a good chuckle, consider exploring some humor related to the boating world, where even unexpected jokes on the high seas can provide a refreshing break.
#36
When I was around 6, I was spending the day with my grandmother while my father was at work. She was preparing dinner for all of us and needed my father to pick something up on his way home. This was the age before cell phones were ubiquitous and she didn't know his work number off the top of her head, but that's alright, I knew his work number. Now I was only 6, but I was pretty sharp for my age, so she just assumed that maybe I knew his work number. So she pulls me up on the tall chair by the phone and has me dial, and I do: 9-1-1 My father worked at Fire Dispatch, so I was technically correct. Anyway a lady answered and I asked if "my dad was there." Not his name, just "my dad." We get into a bit of a back and forth about how I called 9-1-1 and yeah, I know, my dad works at 9-1-1. Eventually we do get my dad on the line, I think after the dispatcher asked my name. He asks to put my grandmother on the line. They talk for a bit, and that's that. Apparently it happens from time to time. It wasn't a huge deal, and I wasn't in trouble, but my dad made sure to put the proper call line on my grandmother's speed dial and he had a talk to me about how I can't use that number if it's not an emergency.
Lillian Swaim 3 years ago
The dad did actually work at "911" and the call went through, sounds like solid logic to me
Sandor M 3 years ago
Yeah,why try to remember a 8-9 length number, when 3 is enough
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#37
Best one started at about 2am and ran until almost 5. Woman, lost in woods. Woke up, didn’t know her name or where she was. Said shed been abducted. This was pre smartphone and cell hits back then we’re 50/50. Some providers you got a great location, others might be a mile radius. This was the latter. It was February, abnormally cold year, so hypothermia was a concern. Ended up with two helos looking (this county had three), numerous cars and fire trucks out searching. So finally one of the ground units finds her car. Vehicle totaled, yellow paint down the side. About a mile back up the road is the school bus farm where they park all the county busses. Go to check it and yup, someone hit half the busses in there. Get the bloodhounds on her trail and they find her in a drainage pipe, hiding from the cops. Concussed, lost, but aware enough to know she didn’t want to be found. She was your average central Florida chronic drunk. Left bar, brained herself driving through a school bus parking lot (through a chain link fence), made it another mile before car died.
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
Sadly revoking their drivers license won't stop idiots from driving anyway, sober or drunk.
Mackenzie McLean 3 years ago
I know exactly where this is based on its description. How sad is that?!
Mackenzie McLean 3 years ago
There's only one place it could be in central Florida.
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#38
A lady called 911 to report a police officer blocking the road. She wanted him to stop blocking the road and he wouldn't move. The problem? A boat in the road, taking up the entire road, she wouldn't have been able to get by. Nevermind the huge crane there to lift the boat, also blocking the entire road with its outriggers, and the trailer the boat was going on, also sitting dead nuts middle of the road to be loaded. But she called 911. To tell them to make the cop move. She had a hair appointment. And she was going to miss it if he didn't let her by. But she's going to sit there and call 911.
Brian Bennett 3 years ago
Or A-hole syndrome cause by only one born after the 80's (you)!
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#39
Had a guy demand for me to personally come pick him up and take him to get his tools. He said I had to since he pays taxes which means he pays my salary. I let him know if that was the case, I pay my own salary and to call an uber.
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
"I pay taxes, so I pay your salary" has been countered in the Netherlands by a cop saying: "So you're that person who won't give me a raise. Let's find out what I can fine you for..."
#40
My eight year old wont get in the bath. Can you send an officer out to tell her she needs to?
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago (edited)
No, but we can call CPS because obviously parenting is not for you.
#41
"I have a court date coming up, but I have to go camping that day...what should I do?"
#42
Called out for a 2 yr old with hand-mouth-foot disease (common viral disease that causes irritating pustules). Mother called an ambulance because her 2 YEAR OLD didn’t want to go the hospital. Had to explain to the mother that she is the decision maker and that she can simply pick the baby up and place her in the car seat even if she fusses. So she did. This was a 911, lights and sirens emergency call out.
#43
"Are homeless people allowed in the park?"
#44
Received a call because a house full of women had a cockroach in it.
#45
Toddlers whose parents give them phones to play with which aren't connected to any service. Yeah they still work for 911, and we can't call you back on them either. Luckily the mapping system usually works pretty well to the extent that not only can I tell the address, but can often tell the officers which area of the house the calls are coming from.
Panda Kicki 3 years ago
We install and activate Kids Zone, that way they need a code to do anything outside the play apps. Including emergency calls.
moose man 3 years ago
hell noo dont tell my dad about that one. apple's screen time is enough hell.
Load More Replies... #46
A fairly distraught caller complaining that someone was feeding the geese too much bread at the park.
Chicken Nugget 3 years ago
Too much bread isn't good for geese, but I wouldn't call 911 about it lol
Sasha Twin 3 years ago
I wouldnt call 911 either, but in Canada, Geese are a protected animal. Feeding them bread isnt good for them. It can give them infections (thru defecation) which kill them.
Load More Replies... Kimi Tomminello 3 years ago
If you want to feed geese please feed them food made for waterfowl or egg layers. It's not expensive.
kath morgan 3 years ago
Should call whoever looks after the parks. They have banned bread at our local lake, it is bad for the birds and the water over the long term.
#47
What time does the parade or fireworks start?
oktopus 3 years ago
Here in the 21st century we also have this thing called the Internet.
Load More Replies... WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
When there's a lot of Kabooms, Swishes and Flashes in the air. You can't miss it when you look outside. Just be sure to wear your safety glasses.
HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
The first night in my new house I thought bombs were dropping. My house was in a direct line from where Disney World set off their fireworks. I saw fireworks every night.
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#48
I have been called out for a grown man who nicked himself shaving. It had stopped by the time we arrived. I taught him the “toilet paper square” trick and about styptic pencils. He still wanted the 40$ taxi ride to emerg.
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
Do you not have alum blocks that immediately sear the wound. At least, that's how it feels....
Ozymandias73 3 years ago
$40? TO the hospital? Where was this at and what year b/c that's wayyyyyy less than it is now
#49
"My chair is trying to kill me." (Older woman who would consistently lean too hard into her recliner and flip it. She strategically had her landline right there.)
#50
(during birdflu) My dog just sniffed a dead pigeon and then sneezed. I think it has the birdflu
#51
A woman was reporting that a neighbour had forced the caller's 8 year old son into eating 4 or 5 pears that he had shaken off her tree. It was really difficult to keep a straight voice and really difficult to know how to classify that from the pre-defined categories on the system. In the end I went with "anti-social behaviour" and dispatch sent a PCSO to calm her down.
Kay blue 3 years ago
In case anyone is wondering, a PCSO is a police community support officer. They are baby cops, have no powers of arrest and basically deal with things that need a police presence but not so serious that someone needs to be detained.
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
We have those police officers too in the Netherlands. They are called BOAs. They are not baby cops, they are a special branch in the Dutch police force of people who are too dumb to get a real job. Their total lack of social skills and knowledge is compensated with enormous inflated egos and a SS-Obergruppenführer mentality.
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Roxy Eastland 3 years ago
Wait, someone forced an eight year old to eat stuff against their will? Not their parent? That's abuse. Why was it not taken seriously????
Hugh Cookson 3 years ago
When I was a kid, we used to scrump apples and pears in a walled garden, if we were caught, the farmer and his wife used to make us face the wall then throw the rottenest windfalls they could find at us, then march us home (it was a small village) to tell our parents, who would punish us again for thieving !!
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#52
Picked up trousers from dry cleaners and they weren't clean and the caller had a job interview the following day.
#53
"My two year old has a piece of toilet paper in the nose."
KariLovesHerKat 3 years ago (edited)
When my kids had blocked noses or something stuck i would suck the mucus or stuck items out. Worked every time and gave great relief when they had runny noses from colds
#54
I know a few 911 operators and they tell me that they consistently get 911 calls "to make sure it works." Clearly, in this day and age when idiots seem to rule, this needs to be said. 911 does indeed work. You'll find out when the cops arrive at your door and give you a blast of s**t for being among the most stupid people in the nation. And hopefully a hefty fine as well.
Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago
Back in the day, when programmable phones first hit the market, I bought one. Frustrated the hell out of me that the only way to program a number on the phone was to call it. First number I put in was 911. Got a callback from them, checking that I was alright as they’d had a hang up call from my number, I explained about the phone, and they said that was happening a lot since those phones came out, but they wanted to check on me to be sure. It was a stupid, half-baked move on the phone manufacturer’s part. Never tried to program 911 into any “programmable” phones again.
Girts Frīdbergs 3 years ago
i dont want to sound stupid cause i might have missed something but cant you just call 991 pon dialpad? do you have to program a phone number to call it? i understand if its 7-10 digit number but im not sure why would someone program 911.
Load More Replies... Lillian Swaim 3 years ago
That's like going onto google and searching, "Is the internet working?"
Roxy Eastland 3 years ago
As rumours go around the UK that 911 works for us, because people are idiots that can't tell the difference between American dramas and real life, I know more than one youngster has tried. Apparently it does work in the UK. What I want to know is whether the emergency numbers for other countries work in the US? Like the international emergency number 112?
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
Do instruct officers to fine immediately if they have no valid excuse. If the word gets around people will think twice before abusing the emergency number.
#55
I once called 911 to ask them to get me an Uber. It…. Was not my finest moment.
#56
Advice on what kind of lotion to put on a sunburn.
ᴠᴀ̈ɪɴᴏ 3 years ago
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Brian Bennett 3 years ago
Just slap on some of hubby's or BF After shave - Ask a stupid question.............
Lillian Swaim 3 years ago
Should someone just create a life advice line? Or like, a voice to google chat bot?
#57
‘The fuel pump won’t accept my card’ told them it wasn’t a police matter and hung straight up.
#58
Had a lady call in because she wanted her neighbor's trash moved since she had company coming over. Trash pickup was the next day so it's not even like the neighbor had it out too early.
#59
A caller wanting police to investigate the amazon package on the side of the road, in case it was stolen.
#61
50 year old who had a dr appointment at the dr office and was too tired to walk there so wanted an ambulance to bring her to her appointment.
Roxy Eastland 3 years ago
I was thinking that in the US you'd have to pay like $500 or something for that. Why not call an actual taxi??
Load More Replies... Mobey Drunk 3 years ago
We're medical professionals who are trained for emergencies. If you need a ride, call an Uber.
#62
1 in 5 calls on some days would be people asking for police and going, "but I want NON emergency." Or calling 911 to ask for the 10 digit non emerg #.
Rustella 3 years ago
I have called 911 for non emergency at night because I was worried the people in apt across from me were hitting their small child. I just immediately informed the 911 operator it was non emergency and she told me as long as people do that it's fine.
Bobby 3 years ago
I would classify parents beating their child as emergency, or am I just misreading your comment?
Load More Replies...
CHEF_EGG_RAT 3 years ago
once we thought that there was someone in our house but we werent sure so we called the police- not 911, the actual police department- cause it was late at night. it was just racoons in our roof tho.
What do you think ?
Smilejustbecause 3 years ago
I used to work next to 911 dispatch and now working for the Emergency room hospital, you hear and see it all 😂
Memere 3 years ago
Oh, I can imagine! My mom was a nurse for over 40 years, and wow, some of the stories she had from working in ER, and even other departments - humans are just flat out crazy.
Load More Replies... glowworm2 3 years ago
I always loved the story of the woman who called 911 because a deputy had arrived at her house for a noise complaint and she thought he was cute, so she called up asking for him again. She wound up getting a date- a court date. Here's the link: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13862689
D K 3 years ago (edited)
I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of my life. About 7-8 years ago I remember a particular tremor (earthquake) happening around 4 am. It was just strong enough to wake me up, but not enough to get me out of bed. The next day I read on the news that 9-11 was flooded with phone calls of panicked people, saying “there’s been an earthquake” and “what should we do???” Then I realized just how many transplants have arrived to the Bay Area over the years.
Kate 3 years ago
In high school, my friend had to call 911 because his brother had OD'd and passed out, and was having seizures. After several rings, the dispatcher picked up and put him on hold. Just food for thought for anyone who thinks any of these stories are "cute."
ZAPanda 3 years ago
sounds to me like they need to upscale and have a round robin pabx system instead of a single line.
Load More Replies...
May Day 3 years ago (edited)
My friend's dog was attacked by another dog and wounded very badly. He carried the dog to the car and drove very fast to get to the animal hospital, which is several miles away. The police stopped him for overspeeding. He told them what had happened. They escorted him to the hospital, clearing the way. ❤❤❤ (Sweden)
Hannah Edwards 3 years ago
Although not emergencies, some of these were genuine issues that had the potential to snowball into something bigger. Like a person constantly complaining about a noisy neighbour is a minor job. When the complainant loses his s**t, because said neighbour hasn’t been dealt with, and bludgeons him to death, it becomes a big job.
Erik Granqvist 3 years ago
A colleague in the mid 90's: he witnessed a minor fender bender on a parking lot. Out comes a clearly drunk man, screaming on the por dude he hit. The guy phoned the police, just to be arrested for driving drunk.
SilverSkyCloud 3 years ago
i read that a lot of americans called 911 during a power cut a few years back, they all reported strange objests in the sky, turns out those objects were stars
ZAPanda 3 years ago
because of course you are god and blessed with omniscience. /s
Load More Replies...
Smilejustbecause 3 years ago
I used to work next to 911 dispatch and now working for the Emergency room hospital, you hear and see it all 😂
Memere 3 years ago
Oh, I can imagine! My mom was a nurse for over 40 years, and wow, some of the stories she had from working in ER, and even other departments - humans are just flat out crazy.
Load More Replies... glowworm2 3 years ago
I always loved the story of the woman who called 911 because a deputy had arrived at her house for a noise complaint and she thought he was cute, so she called up asking for him again. She wound up getting a date- a court date. Here's the link: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13862689
D K 3 years ago (edited)
I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of my life. About 7-8 years ago I remember a particular tremor (earthquake) happening around 4 am. It was just strong enough to wake me up, but not enough to get me out of bed. The next day I read on the news that 9-11 was flooded with phone calls of panicked people, saying “there’s been an earthquake” and “what should we do???” Then I realized just how many transplants have arrived to the Bay Area over the years.
Kate 3 years ago
In high school, my friend had to call 911 because his brother had OD'd and passed out, and was having seizures. After several rings, the dispatcher picked up and put him on hold. Just food for thought for anyone who thinks any of these stories are "cute."
ZAPanda 3 years ago
sounds to me like they need to upscale and have a round robin pabx system instead of a single line.
Load More Replies... May Day 3 years ago (edited)
My friend's dog was attacked by another dog and wounded very badly. He carried the dog to the car and drove very fast to get to the animal hospital, which is several miles away. The police stopped him for overspeeding. He told them what had happened. They escorted him to the hospital, clearing the way. ❤❤❤ (Sweden)
Hannah Edwards 3 years ago
Although not emergencies, some of these were genuine issues that had the potential to snowball into something bigger. Like a person constantly complaining about a noisy neighbour is a minor job. When the complainant loses his s**t, because said neighbour hasn’t been dealt with, and bludgeons him to death, it becomes a big job.
Erik Granqvist 3 years ago
A colleague in the mid 90's: he witnessed a minor fender bender on a parking lot. Out comes a clearly drunk man, screaming on the por dude he hit. The guy phoned the police, just to be arrested for driving drunk.
SilverSkyCloud 3 years ago
i read that a lot of americans called 911 during a power cut a few years back, they all reported strange objests in the sky, turns out those objects were stars
ZAPanda 3 years ago
because of course you are god and blessed with omniscience. /s
Load More Replies... 
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