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You Called 9-1-1 For What?
All across the United States when there is an emergency or a crisis there is one number the citizenry turns to in order get assistance... 9-1-1!
But how does 9-1-1 work? More importantly, what doesn't 9-1-1 work for?
This book provides a brief history of the 9-1-1 system in the United States and provides transcripts of actual 9-1-1 calls from actual people who need help during an "emergency"...you know, like when your local fast food chain runs out of chicken nuggets, when your car battery is dead and your power locks won't open, or you need assistance being a parent.
The book concludes with a look at the next generation needs of the 9-1-1 system and, as always, encourages all readers that, when in doubt, call 9-1-1!
But how does 9-1-1 work? More importantly, what doesn't 9-1-1 work for?
This book provides a brief history of the 9-1-1 system in the United States and provides transcripts of actual 9-1-1 calls from actual people who need help during an "emergency"...you know, like when your local fast food chain runs out of chicken nuggets, when your car battery is dead and your power locks won't open, or you need assistance being a parent.
The book concludes with a look at the next generation needs of the 9-1-1 system and, as always, encourages all readers that, when in doubt, call 9-1-1!
- GenresHumorNonfictionChildrens
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 11, 2013
I bought this book for what?
February 18, 2013
Short but funny. A nice quick read in times you need a good laugh
March 14, 2014
A short and fast moving read. The author would of found a higher rating from me if only a couple of things had been done, which would of been including more of the calls received at 9-1-1, maybe even from a personal level of his time working the front (phone) lines. Along with The repetitiveness of "abuse of the 9-1-1 line" was not one that needed to be reiterated as though the reader would forget from the last time mentioned.
The incidents shared were entertaining, mind blowing, & actually pretty scary when you know that there are so many more walking brain dead in this country. That to see in black n white for those that never had the so called pleasure of being a experienced operator to deal with moments of trauma, extreme fear, even death on the other end of a line, the frustration felt for the plain stupidity or just lack of caring that a caller that needs to make calls for the most frivolous reason taking time away from a true person in need. People often joke about calling 911 and getting a busy signal or message to please hold while all lines are busy, but if these type of calls continue at the rate that they do and punishment is not forthcoming then it is what we will be facing in the very near future with all joking aside. So as I enjoyed the book, my personal opinion is more stories, and even though it is very important that we are aware of the abuse of our emergency number that constant repetition of that reminder was not necessary. I am looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
The incidents shared were entertaining, mind blowing, & actually pretty scary when you know that there are so many more walking brain dead in this country. That to see in black n white for those that never had the so called pleasure of being a experienced operator to deal with moments of trauma, extreme fear, even death on the other end of a line, the frustration felt for the plain stupidity or just lack of caring that a caller that needs to make calls for the most frivolous reason taking time away from a true person in need. People often joke about calling 911 and getting a busy signal or message to please hold while all lines are busy, but if these type of calls continue at the rate that they do and punishment is not forthcoming then it is what we will be facing in the very near future with all joking aside. So as I enjoyed the book, my personal opinion is more stories, and even though it is very important that we are aware of the abuse of our emergency number that constant repetition of that reminder was not necessary. I am looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
April 3, 2013
A short read on what some people have called Emergency services for. Funny, but sad as well as it just goes to show you how the service can be abused.
May 10, 2018
I bought this book for what?
The title was interesting but the book lacking. Too short and poorly organized. Could have benefited by a run past an editor. If this is typical of his writing I will skip his other literary efforts. Yes, it was only 99 cents, but I wasted my money.
The title was interesting but the book lacking. Too short and poorly organized. Could have benefited by a run past an editor. If this is typical of his writing I will skip his other literary efforts. Yes, it was only 99 cents, but I wasted my money.
May 20, 2019
Well Worth Reading
This short and simple work gives a great history of the 9-1-1 system as well as some very humorous call transcripts with Dave's commentary. Frankly, Dave's commentary is worth the price of admission. Well written and informative with great humor built in.
This short and simple work gives a great history of the 9-1-1 system as well as some very humorous call transcripts with Dave's commentary. Frankly, Dave's commentary is worth the price of admission. Well written and informative with great humor built in.
September 22, 2019
Not enough funny stories
As an EMT, I was hoping for more of the funny stories, like the ones we tell other EMTs when we get back to the corps room.
This was more for nonemergency folks.
As an EMT, I was hoping for more of the funny stories, like the ones we tell other EMTs when we get back to the corps room.
This was more for nonemergency folks.
October 15, 2019
Very Informative!!!
I liked the book very much. Definitely easy to read. I expected more examples of actual ( dumb) calls and consequences. But I definitely learned the how's and why's of the 9-1-1 call system.
I liked the book very much. Definitely easy to read. I expected more examples of actual ( dumb) calls and consequences. But I definitely learned the how's and why's of the 9-1-1 call system.
February 27, 2020
Enlightening
This is a very informative book about the 911 system, the history and how it works today. Short and sweet with a couple funny examples of 911 calls. I would have liked a few more examples.
This is a very informative book about the 911 system, the history and how it works today. Short and sweet with a couple funny examples of 911 calls. I would have liked a few more examples.
March 5, 2017
Interesting book but about 1/4 into it i started having doubts about humanity. :-)
April 15, 2020
This book was both funny and informative I enjoyed reading this book and I am now reading book 2.
June 7, 2020
Educational and interesting
A mix of real 911 calls along with education on the 911 system, how it works, and how it has evolved. Short and sweet.
A mix of real 911 calls along with education on the 911 system, how it works, and how it has evolved. Short and sweet.
February 27, 2021
Educational and funny. 3.5 stars
July 18, 2013
This book is a too-short selection and discussion of various absurd calls to the 911 emergency services telephone line. The author is an Emergency Medical Technician for an ambulance service in New York City, with a history of service extending well beyond that city’s boundaries. His vast experience has exposed him to a large number of questionable 911 calls. A few of the more dubious calls are disclosed within the pages of this book; many are outrageous, and many are outrageously funny, but the takeaway message is that 911 is intended to be for legitimate emergencies only, not to complain because your pizza delivery is late.
Dave’s writing style is very conversational, which works well with this subject matter. It’s like sitting down with a friend while he talks about his day at work. The examples he shares in this book are the sort of calls that will have you laughing, and shaking your head at the incredible stupidity of some people, yet it is important to recognize the seriousness of such calls, because they may tie up the line while someone with a legitimate emergency is trying to call in.
This is a book most people would enjoy reading, and I can recommend it for anybody who appreciates a good laugh, but I can’t end without sharing at least a couple of the examples Konig includes.
His first example: a caller properly begins by accurately telling the 911 operator his/her location, then proceeds to explain the “emergency”. The car will not start, and the driver is locked inside. The door locks and windows are controlled electrically, and none of the electrical controls will work, so the driver cannot open the door to exit the vehicle. The 911 operator asks the driver if he/she can physically pull up the door lock and open the door. The caller replies, “I’m trying… oh… okay okay I got that going okay.” The operator then asks if the driver is able to get out of the car now, to which the driver replies that the door did indeed open. The operator then offered to call a tow truck.
One more example, which unfortunately did not end well for the operator, although I think we can all understand his response after a day of answering inappropriate calls, went as follows. A mother called 911 to report that her two teenage daughters were physically fighting when she got home from work, one had kicked a hole in the wall, and the 12 year old was completely out of control. The operator then asked: “Okay, did you want us to come over and shoot her?” Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve had days at work – too many of them – where I desperately would have loved to make a reply like that. Unfortunately, the mother did not appreciate his sense of humor, which quite honestly should have made her realize how absurd her call really was. She filed a complaint, so the operator had to undergo “sensitivity” training, and had a letter of reprimand placed in his file.
This review is already too long, so I’m done. If you want to read more calls like those two examples, you should get this book. It should make you laugh AND shake your head in wonder.
Dave’s writing style is very conversational, which works well with this subject matter. It’s like sitting down with a friend while he talks about his day at work. The examples he shares in this book are the sort of calls that will have you laughing, and shaking your head at the incredible stupidity of some people, yet it is important to recognize the seriousness of such calls, because they may tie up the line while someone with a legitimate emergency is trying to call in.
This is a book most people would enjoy reading, and I can recommend it for anybody who appreciates a good laugh, but I can’t end without sharing at least a couple of the examples Konig includes.
His first example: a caller properly begins by accurately telling the 911 operator his/her location, then proceeds to explain the “emergency”. The car will not start, and the driver is locked inside. The door locks and windows are controlled electrically, and none of the electrical controls will work, so the driver cannot open the door to exit the vehicle. The 911 operator asks the driver if he/she can physically pull up the door lock and open the door. The caller replies, “I’m trying… oh… okay okay I got that going okay.” The operator then asks if the driver is able to get out of the car now, to which the driver replies that the door did indeed open. The operator then offered to call a tow truck.
One more example, which unfortunately did not end well for the operator, although I think we can all understand his response after a day of answering inappropriate calls, went as follows. A mother called 911 to report that her two teenage daughters were physically fighting when she got home from work, one had kicked a hole in the wall, and the 12 year old was completely out of control. The operator then asked: “Okay, did you want us to come over and shoot her?” Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve had days at work – too many of them – where I desperately would have loved to make a reply like that. Unfortunately, the mother did not appreciate his sense of humor, which quite honestly should have made her realize how absurd her call really was. She filed a complaint, so the operator had to undergo “sensitivity” training, and had a letter of reprimand placed in his file.
This review is already too long, so I’m done. If you want to read more calls like those two examples, you should get this book. It should make you laugh AND shake your head in wonder.
August 22, 2016
Know what you get when you call 911?
That was what my senior friend asked me one day over coffee. Knowing her to be a jokester, I played along. Seems she was having one of many fainting episodes and when she came to, her husband had opened the door to emergency responders. In her eyes 6 of the most handsome men she could ever remember. This was the first time she had been awake for another trip to the hospital.
This book was a romp, I got information with a lot of stories.
What I was really looking for was What information do I need to have available for the 911 operator when I need a paramedic to attend my husband before his ambulance ride and overnight stay at our hospital.
Still looking.
That was what my senior friend asked me one day over coffee. Knowing her to be a jokester, I played along. Seems she was having one of many fainting episodes and when she came to, her husband had opened the door to emergency responders. In her eyes 6 of the most handsome men she could ever remember. This was the first time she had been awake for another trip to the hospital.
This book was a romp, I got information with a lot of stories.
What I was really looking for was What information do I need to have available for the 911 operator when I need a paramedic to attend my husband before his ambulance ride and overnight stay at our hospital.
Still looking.
September 18, 2014
Really interesting!
Not quite what I was expecting, but what a nice surprise!
I thought this would be a book of funny or interesting stories about EMS and 911, and while it was, it was SO much more! The history and future of the 911 system was a great addition to the true stories of the call, and took up just the right amount of space in the book. The way the author segues into each of the interesting or funny stories really helped the book to flow logically from one story to the next.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and a great surprise! Very highly recommended!!!
Not quite what I was expecting, but what a nice surprise!
I thought this would be a book of funny or interesting stories about EMS and 911, and while it was, it was SO much more! The history and future of the 911 system was a great addition to the true stories of the call, and took up just the right amount of space in the book. The way the author segues into each of the interesting or funny stories really helped the book to flow logically from one story to the next.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and a great surprise! Very highly recommended!!!
September 16, 2015
Can't beat free! Interesting little read. I believe the point of the book was really education about the 9-1-1 system. It's history, proper use, dedicated work force and to add some humor to the history, some ridiculous calls to 9-1-1. I'm glad I read the book. Quick read. It accomplished it's point. I did learn about how 9-1-1 developed and changed with new technology. I learned about 3-1-1, which means you need help but is NOT an emergency. Definitely worth reading. Always good to learn something new.
February 16, 2014
While this book is mostly humor in my opinion, which was what drew me to it in the first place -- I cannot begin to fathom that there are people in the world so stupid and obnoxious as to call 911 for such ridiculous reasons -- it is also informative and gives some background on the 911 number and its origins. I really liked this book, although it kind of reinforces my belief that some people should be sterilized. :-|
February 20, 2014
Not a bad little book. It tells about the history of 911 and why that is the number the USA uses to contact emergency services. My friends who have worked in EMS will enjoy the few anecdotes shared in this quick read.
Personally I would have preferred more humorous stories of calls received and answered.
Personally I would have preferred more humorous stories of calls received and answered.
March 9, 2013
Pretty much a waste of time. Yeah, I was shaking my head at people but it wasn't that shocking, neither was it exhaustive in stories. It was like one guy sitting down to tell you his funny stories. Could have used a wider base of story tellers and better stories. ? Sorry.
November 10, 2013
I really liked that he didn't only give a couple of examples of the absurd and ridiculous calls 9-1-1 receives. He also provides a history of the service and explains how a lot of things work with the telephone system and explains how they're improving along with the advancement of technology.
March 7, 2014
This is a quick read that can be read in bits and pieces. I found it to be entertaining and totally believable. People can be so silly at times. If you work in the field, I'm sure you could have supplied your own anecdotes.
June 1, 2019
9-1-1 for WHAT ? ? ?
This was an OK BOOK... not at all what I was expecting... I guess a lot of people don't know the " how or why " of 9-1-1.....but I did.... so I felt like I was back at work reading the " s o p" of programming ..... written in a simpler version.
This was an OK BOOK... not at all what I was expecting... I guess a lot of people don't know the " how or why " of 9-1-1.....but I did.... so I felt like I was back at work reading the " s o p" of programming ..... written in a simpler version.
June 26, 2013
Was disappointed that there were only half a dozen stories in this book. was expecting more, but for the price can't complain too much.
October 2, 2013
An ok book; gives some history of how 9-1-1 got started, and why; and how it is abused some time. It is a short, fast read.
December 20, 2013
This book provides some very interesting information about the 911 system, and the stories that Dave Konig provides are entertaining and educational at the same time. It is a definite must-read.
January 12, 2014
I expected more anecdotes, less about the history of 911. Plus I'd already read most of the stories from other sources. Glad this was a free download.
January 3, 2014
Review
most of these stories I've heard about already, but some of them still surprised me. people need to find other things to do
most of these stories I've heard about already, but some of them still surprised me. people need to find other things to do
March 14, 2014
Reading this book was a complete waste of time. With a title like this, the book should be all humor. I have no interest in the history of 911, and the calls inside this book weren't all that funny.
January 12, 2014
This is a quick read. It is sort of a history of 911 with a little humor thrown in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews