ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Everyone knows to call 911 in an emergency, but there are some situations where calling isn't an option. But thanks to a new service, there's a different way to contact first responders in the Quad Cities
For the past week, dispatchers at the Scott Emergency Communications Center have been fielding calls — and now, text messages. They've sent and received more than 70 texts since the system launched on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
All you have to do is send a message and a dispatcher will message back. Sending texts to 911 is meant for situations where making a call could put someone in danger.
"There might be a domestic violence situation, or maybe there's some peer pressure where you don't really want anyone to know what you're doing," Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud said. "There’s also other situations where we might have someone that is hearing impaired that might need to utilize a text option rather than contacting someone over the phone."
McCloud said the city has been using text to 911 for about 10 years as part of a pilot program. With the full launch of the service, anyone in the Quad Cities can use it.
"We can just offer that opportunity for anyone to contact 911, no matter their circumstances," McCloud said.
However, McCloud said texting should never be your first choice. He said phone calls are the best way to contact first responders. It can also be harder for dispatchers to find someone's location if they're texting.
"Dispatchers can interact directly with you, ask you questions. It's a lot faster," McCloud said. "We can hear what's going on, and understand, maybe even get some clues as to what's going on in the background."
Even if people don't use the service too often, he said it's an important part of their 911 services.
"It's just one more way to get emergency care out to our citizens," McCloud said.
If you accidentally send a text, let the dispatcher know by calling or sending another message.