Emergencies happen each day across the country. But not every emergency call gets a response. In fact, as WJBF-TV of Augusta recently reported, standards created by national and regional agencies don’t require 911 centers to answer all calls that come through.
Emergency Calls in Charleston County
Like other emergency call centers around the nation, the Charleston County Consolidated 911 Center is not equipped to answer every call, according to the WJBF report. But it does its best. The center applies guidelines from the state of South Carolina, the National Emergency Number Association, and the National Fire Protection Association.
The center employs two key standards from the National Emergency Number Association. First, it focuses on answering 90 percent of emergency calls during its busiest hour. From 2008 to 2012, documents show, the center did not meet this standard. But it is expected to meet this goal in 2013 with 90.8 percent of calls answered so far.
The second standard is to answer 95 percent of emergency calls within 20 seconds. The center reached this goal in 2012 and the first half of 2013.
Yet even if the center failed to reach NENA’s goals, it can never be penalized. This is because NENA does not provide regulations. It is designed to offer best practices for 911 centers across the country.
Issues 911 Centers Face
When a person hangs up before a call is answered, it affects how quickly the center responds to other individuals in need. This is because the center is required to call the disconnected caller back. Therefore, if that person happens to call back again, two responders are unavailable to help with other calls that are coming into the center.
In addition, lines can quickly become tied up when multiple witnesses call to report an incident such as a car accident. This can take the attention of several responders at the center so other calls may be missed.
There are many challenges involved in responding to emergency calls, especially when a center’s phone lines are limited or a large-scale crisis occurs and dominates its resources.
Need Legal Help?
Car accidents can occur for many different reasons, often leading to serious injuries or even death. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a South Carolina automobile accident because of somebody else’s negligence, our personal injury attorneys can offer advice about your rights. Call Joye Law Firm at (888) 324-3100 or use our online form.
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