Put on hold by 911

Sat, May 17 2008

— Dear Editor:
I am puzzled by our local 911 office-dispatch center.
On April 9, I phoned 911 with an emergency at my work place. A fellow employee was not feeling well and needed immediate attention.
I quickly told the dispatcher this information and was put on HOLD!
I don’t understand why anyone calling in to 911 would be placed on hold for any reason.
I was calm when I called – yes, it was an emergency but I felt if I were in control I could get someone to respond to the situation in a timely manner.
When the dispatcher came back to the phone, I gave her the information again and supplied my name as well as the person in need of assistance. The ambulance crew did respond shortly after that but I feel those few seconds I was placed on hold could have been enough for some serious damage to have been done to the patient.
The situation could have turned out very differently as well.
This is the second time I’ve phone 911 only to be placed on hold. Aren’t we, as taxpayers, paying for this service? Would you like to be placed on hold when you call for medical assistance?
Is there any reason that a 911 call should be placed on hold?
I think not!

Sincerely,
Sharon Troxell
Stearns, KY 42647