John Oliver tells us more than we want to know about 911 emergency call centers, where a desperate lack of funding and antiquated technology often make them less likely to find you in 20 minutes than pizza delivery. Although wireless devices are everywhere, most 911 services are still using technology linking them with landlines, and this alone costs the lives of over ten thousand Americans per year. You may be shocked – as was I, to learn that many states fund centers sufficiently, but the money is stolen by thieves – technically known as politicians. See the short interview with Gov. Cuomo for verification on this one.
As an added bonus, your operator may be busy, trying to determine whether someone is unable to speak, or they simply butt-dialed. The specimen interviewed, has 136 dials at last count. You may notice his shirt says ‘Just DO IT’ – but maybe he should rethink that mantra.
If we can’t fix the problem immediately, clearly a more accurate PSA is necessary. Rob Riggle steps up to do his public duty as ‘Firefighter Bob.’ The unhinged Riggle and an overworked 911 operator tell the kiddies exactly what to – and what not to expect when you dial 911!