But the guy who made the phone call didn't exactly use the time he had very well. "You need to help me" doesn't give a dispatcher or the police much information. "Man with a knife" or "He's going to kill us" would have been more appropriate. People need to learn to get the important information out first, elaborate later, if there's time.
Absolutely true. However, given that English isn't their first language, I have a little grace for them.
I like the fire extinguisher.