Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

County 9-1-1 services: don't bet your life on them

Recently, I attempted to call 9-1-1 after observing a dangerous situation on the roadway. After 10 or 11 rings, I received a California Highway Patrol 9-1-1 recording. Then I was placed on hold. After five minutes on hold, I hung up.

Many citizens believe that in an emergency, help is just a phone call away. However, people should know that in San Diego County, including Camp Pendleton, if you are in a wreck, your house is on fire or a family member has a medical emergency, you may not be able to reach emergency services in time when minutes can mean the difference between life and death. According to the Highway Patrol, they are critically short of dispatchers with no relief in sight. Their advice: “Talk to the Governor.”

Citizens, beware! If you encounter a dangerous situation in the future, don’t bet your life on 9-1-1.

Hank Donigan

 

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