Well, I'll say that third party calls to 911 are not unheard of . Been to many myself. Out of state friends/family can't reach a sick person, they call their 911 who calls our 911 .

Hell i've been to fires called in from other states. Look in the past smoke signals were state of the art, times are a changing folks . I can look at facebook right now and see what any number of my kids friends are doing AT THIS VERY MOMENT.

Bottom line it worked. Would i hope my kids call 911 ? sure ! If no signal would i hope they have the knowledge and skills to come up with another form of getting help like these kids did ?

You bet .

Years ago my dept. did not like it that FF started to carry cell phones on the job. Then during a highrise fire a LT. found that his radio would not work in the building. He got out his cell called 911 gave them a report,for them to give to the Batt. chief. Fuuny but their view of guys carring cells changed. Welcome to the '90's .