Hmmm...Never thought people would actually be naive enough to do this.

RCMP in British Columbia are warning people not to text message 911 in emergencies.

Sandy Vogstad, with the RCMP's communication centre, said the province's 911 system can't deliver text messages.

"It is the system in general that there is no methodology available technically to push that text through the whole system," Vogstad said.

Naive... perhaps.

But the ability to text some 911-equivalent number is an option that really should be there. I'm not saying people should rely on cell phones in the wilderness, but a text message will get through when the connection is bordering impossible for voice communication.

EDIT I: On the other hand, I assume most call center operators will appreciate that they actually can ASK the caller about the missing, but vital information about their situation.
EDIT Ib: If it takes 5 SMS'es back and forth, actually speaking would be much more efficient...


EDIT II: It seems that people can send SMS to the local 911-equivalent in Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. The idea is that deaf or speaking impaired people should have an efficient way of reaching the emergency services.

In Sweden there is an ongoing test/development project running for 2 years. As was mentioned, it is not available for all, but for a certain group of people; deaf, hearing-, and speach impaired and then only if you have registered for the service.