[Press Release] : 911: For emergencies only

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Scott Smith, Public Information Officer, or Zim Schwartze,
Interim PSJC Director - (573) 874-7400

911: For emergencies only

COLUMBIA, MO (July 20, 2009) - In an emergency, seconds count. Whether
it is a fire, an intruder in a home or an unconscious family member, 911
operators are a vital link between residents and the emergency services
they need. However, according to the 2008 PSJC statistics, approximately
75-80 percent of the calls that came in to the 911 Operations Center
were classified as "non-emergency" calls. These include such calls as a
stolen bicycle, a lost wallet or inquiries about court dates. When these
non-emergency calls are received at the 911 Center, it hinders operators
from taking calls which are true emergencies.

“While we encourage Columbia and Boone County residents to call 911
in case of an emergency, we want to stress that it should be utilized
only during an actual emergency,” said Interim Director of Public
Safety Joint Communications, Zim 
Schwartze. “911 is not to be used for directory assistance, to
contact a specific police officer, to ask for directions or to complain
about a parked car. We ask everyone to call the non-emergency number at
the operations center which is 573-442-6131."

Whenever an unnecessary call is made to 911, it can delay a response to
someone who really needs help. And this delay in help may be for someone
you know.

CALL 911 for a life-threatening emergency such as:
●	Breathing difficulty/shortness of breath/breathing has stopped
●	Choking (can't talk or breathe)
●	Uncontrollable bleeding/large blood loss
●	Drowning
●	Electrocution
●	Drug overdose /poisoning
●	Burglaries in progress
●	Gunshot wounds, stabbings
●	Vomiting blood
●	Sudden fainting /unconsciousness 
●	Convulsions/seizures 
●	Severe allergic reaction 
●	Major burns 
●	Someone who will not wake up, even when you shake them
●	SEVERE injuries from traffic accidents, head injuries or
significant falls 

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