Thats why I was saying to keep a cell phone attached to your person, drop the land line you still have the cell as a backup.

You've got to recharge it SOMETIME! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Sue

It's not always possible, but a cell phone should only be used to effecitvely communicate that you are injured and where you are. You should possess the self-knowledge and skill to save your own butt. Do not rely on others to come save you.

Yes, I realize there are other things like stroke's, heart attacks, and other accidents, or simply caught unprepared, and immediate help is needed and you could die in a matter of minutes. If this is the case, then, well, you're going to need more than a cell phone on your side.

Always know where you are. I have to admit, I don't always do this, and have realized if something happened, I have no effective way to locate myself within miles. Pay attention when you are travelling in unfamiliar area.

though it's pretty much been covered at this point, i just wanted to confirm that you will get a local 911 operator. I formerly worked for a national wireless provider, and they take 911 calls pretty seriously, before activating any new cell towers a 911 test must be performed to make sure they route the calls to the proper authority. while you could still not get the exact closest dispatcher (for example, if you are close to a town or state border, etc) you will get one very near by, not one from your phone's home area code.

Thats while I'm driving. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I put a 12v jack in the center console and the cell phone cord stays there. When I sit in the seat I plug the phone in and slide it back in my pocket and when I get to where I'm going I unplug it and stick the cord back in the console.
I put the 120v charger that came with the phone in my bob/truck kit under the seat so when staying overnight somewhere I have that charger with me should it be needed.

This kind of stuff happens WAY too frequently. I've had to yell at dispatchers in order to get them to be a little quicker on getting the job done. I live in a well... more "active" part of town. Even when I can get through the call quickly and they tell me they're on it, when listening to the scanner, I've heard the police call go out more than an hour later. With EMS it has always been quicker...but I've still heard plenty of botched calls.

Don't get me wrong...there are PLENTY of fantastic dispatchers...in fact I've known a few. However, as with any vocation there is dead weight. Unfortunately people in dire emergencies pay for the dead weight in the dispatcher world.

..."SO"???

???

I think that might be short for "Sheriff's Office"?

This is not directed specifically at yeti, but to all that think that 911 dispatchers don't do a good job. Call your local law enforcement agency's business number and ask to "sit along" in the 911 center on a busy shift for a few hours. See if it is a job you would like to do for 40-60 hours per week (overtime is manditory in many 911 centers, as they cannot find qualified employees). It is an unpleasant work environment in many jurisdictions, for many reasons. Those who are judging based upon their experience of one or two phone calls should try being on the receiving end of an average of one call per minute for a 10-hour shift (in a busy 911 center).