Nationwide, the only consistent element of the 911 emergency system is the well-known three-digit number. Many have heard stories or seen television reenactments of successful use of the 911 emergency system. Likewise, people have most likely heard horror stories or seen reenactments that illustrate the lack of effectiveness of the system. Regardless, citizens depend on the system in emergencies, and when the system fails, the attorneys of The Law Offices of Dan Caplis, PC are there to protect your rights.
Many elements contribute to 911 systems failure nationwide. Since the only standardization that exists is in the adoption of the three-digit number used to contact emergency services, the actual implementation of the system varies from state to state and city to city. Local communities are responsible for conducting the 911 emergency system in accordance with local guidelines. The federal government does not regulate the 911 emergency system. As a result, the system works only within the limitations of local governments. This means that the system is only as effective as the equipment and training the local funding allows.
There is no consistency in training and there is no consistency in the quality of equipment that is used. For example, enhanced 911, available in every state, but not in every region of a state, provides the address and phone number of calls received by 911 operators. Where this version of the system is not available, dispatchers have to rely on the ability of the callers to provide the correct information. Sometimes, circumstances simply do not permit this, and the caller is lost without knowing where to send assistance.
There is a significant amount of time between the call for emergency assistance and the moment help arrives. There are documented cases in which callers asked for instructions to follow before assistance arrived, and because of lack of training the 911 operator could offer no advice and could only tell the caller that he would have to wait for help. In this interim, irreparable damage has been done to injured individuals and many lives that could have been saved, with simple instructions on how to provide CPR, have been lost.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Dan Caplis, PC know that people depend on the 911 emergency system to work properly. When it fails, and innocent victims are left permanently injured or killed, the firm of The Law Offices of Dan Caplis, PC is prepared to fight for the rights of the victims and their loved ones. While pursuing the justice you deserve, we will also be focusing needed attention on a system much in need of consistency in equipment quality and standardization in minimum training requirements.
We at The Law Offices of Dan Caplis, PC consider the welfare of our clients our top priority. We are troubled by the stories we hear and the evidence we study regarding the inadequacy of the 911 emergency system. Just as others have needed to rely on the system in the past, we know that there may come a time when we have to dial 911 for assistance. As do you, so do we want an emergency system we can trust. Until then, we can only address our and others' concerns by representing unfortunate victims of a service meant to save lives. When unnecessary tragedy finds you, contact the attorneys of The Law Offices of Dan Caplis, PC and trust we will fight for your rights.