"Call 911" and phones

[Skribs]

Most threads suggest that if you are involved in a self defense shooting, you should be the first to call 911, as it will establish you as the victim. I understand that sometimes it will be physically impossible to call 911 first (i.e. if you are blitz attacked), but in general if you can call 911 first, you should.

This got me thinking. At best, on my smart phone, I would have to find it (fairly easy), hit the emergency button (kinda easy) and then type 9-1-1 on my smart phone with no tactile feedback (well, it vibrates, but unless I'm looking at it I can't be exactly sure of what I hit), and then send. If I want to connect my Bluetooth (which I normally keep bluetooth disabled to conserve battery) I would have additional steps before I am totally hands-free.

I'm looking for ideas that I could use to make this process go quicker. I do not have a second line or a landline, only my cell (which is pretty common nowadays). I don't want to get another line if there are better options, but I do wish I had some sort of tactile feedback.

I think I can solve the bluetooth issue by getting a corded headset, or by turning on the Bluetooth when I go to bed and turning it off when I get up.

 

[Jenrick]

I think you might be confusing what "they" meant, or I may have never heard this particular tactic. My understanding is be the first to call 911 AFTER the shooting, not before or during the incident leading to the shooting.

Also officially the only thing being the original caller to 911 establishes is that you are the caller or complainant.

-Jenrick

 

[smalls]

Go buy a cheap flip phone, they will dial 911 with no contract or service. Much easier than s touch screen. All you need to do is keep the battery charged. I love my smart phones as much as the next guy, but if I couldn't dial 911 in a high stress emergency I'd get rid of it. I can use mine blind folded, however.

 

[Kleanbore]

Posted by Jenrick: My understanding is be the first to call 911 AFTER the shooting, not before or during the incident leading to the shooting.

If you were to somehow have the foresight to divine that an incident that had not yet occurred might lead to a shooting, your best strategy is to avoid the incident...period.

If you happen to have the opportunity to call 911 in a serious situation that has the potential to result in a violent encounter that cannot be avoided, it is a good idea to do so. Gets the cavalry out of the gate earlier and gives them descriptions that may not be available to them if you are killed or seriously injured. What is recorded may also provide evidence that you will need for a defense of justification.

Yes, if a shooting occurs, it is best to be the first to call.

 

[Solo]

Speed dial?

 

[Claude Clay]

voice activated phones...."Help me Kirk" may work

 

[USAF_Vet]

I keep one of my older "dumb" cell phones on the charger next to the bed while my iPhone is on the charger in the living room. Old phone has no contract but can call 911. In a HD scenario, I toss the phone and 9mm to the wife while I throw on the Kevlar and grab the 12 gauge. She makes the call hunkered in the bedroom while I take position at the choke point at the end of the hall covering the three bedrooms a d using the ball mirror to see into the rest of the house. The only fully blind spot is the kitchen, but there is a stone fireplace between the bedroom hallway and the kitchen area. No one is shooting through that.

That is the interior part of my HD plan. Exterior plan includes motion sensor lights and good locks, plus a 6' privacy fence and a very cluttered garage.

The old phone was a recent addition, and a smart one I think. I would have to look at the touchscreen of my iphone to see what I'm doing, don't need the with the old phone.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm looking for ideas that I could use to make this process go quicker. I do not have a second line or a landline, only my cell (which is pretty common nowadays).

Is your home wired for a landline?

If it is, you can plug in a hardwire phone which will allow you to call 9-1-1. An additional advantage is that it automatically gives your location...you might need to verify with the local LEA

 

[Akita1]

IMO, unless you're in a defendable space with time on your hands, e.g. you're excellently-secured doors and windows are giving a perp fits, the phone should be the last thing on your mind. Well-placed shots are more important when your life and property are threatened! Defend the family and castle first, it will likely be over long before first responders show up.

I have heard of people dialing 911 and putting the phone down so the operator can hear everything going on while the homeowner focuses on shot placement...

 

[Skribs]

I should mention, I disregard answers that assume I am asking the question during the encounter (such as: the one you have with you is best). If I prepare ahead of time, then every factor is worth considering.

9mm, I'm not sure if it's wired for a landline. It's an apartment-style condo, but I haven't noticed voice ports on the walls. Then again, landline wasn't a big consideration when I moved in.

USAF Vet and Smalls, I think I will do that, and just keep it on the nightstand. I just wasn't sure if it would be able to dial 911 with no plan. How does it know which network to connect to? (or is there a special emergency network? I haven't played around with the emergency dial feature for obvious reasons). Maybe this is getting more into the realm of a mobile phone forum instead of THR, I was just wondering what the best method was.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Non contract cell phones link to the closest available cell network in emergency mode.

They don't give the 911 operator your address, though. At best they can triangulate your position, but that might just be Hollyweird pseudo science. This is one reason I give the phone to the wife to make the call, she can focus on that while I focus on making sure my choke point stays clear.

 

[Kleanbore]

Posted by jxbjr: IMO, unless you're in a defendable space with time on your hands, e.g. you're excellently-secured doors and windows are giving a perp fits, the phone should be the last thing on your mind. Well-placed shots are more important when your life and property are threatened! Defend the family and castle first, it will likely be over long before first responders show up.

Surely, in the event of a violent criminal attack, the cell phone is not going to summon protection timely.

However, before urging "well placed shots", it is essential that we introduce some clarity here.

First, in some states, a mere attempt at unlawful entry will not lawfully justify the use of deadly force; in those jurisdictions, unlawful entry must actually have been effected.

Second, only one jurisdiction allows the use of deadly force for the protection of tangible, moveable property, and then only under limited circumstances. Let's be very clear on that. The reason for using deadly force to protect the "castle" is to defend the family.

Finally, let us not lead anyone to believe that we should not notify authorities of serious danger until after we have fired our firearm. If it is possible for someone to call 911 before shooting without putting anyone at serious risk, it is always the thing to do.

 

[Skribs]

Well I will add a "burn phone" (I watch too much TV) and a headset to my next list of firearms-related purchases.

 

[MedWheeler]

I called 911 about a year ago once to report trouble at my neighbor's address. I have noticed that, when calling 911 (which is the only number to call police here, regardless of the nature of the call), operators seem to have more trouble hearing me than does anyone else I call from the same cell phone. That particular night, she could not make out at all the address I was giving her for my neighbor, and did not have mine. She gave me the location the system was telling her my cellphone was calling from, and it was seven blocks southwest of where I was standing.

Another concern is the lighting from your phone. During another 911 call one night (to report an alarm going off on another neighbor's property), I couldn't help but notice my phone lit up my head in the dark like a floodlight. Turn down your screen's brightness setting.

 

[Kleanbore]

Posted by MedWheeler: Another concern is the lighting from your phone. During another 911 call one night (to report an alarm going off on another neighbor's property), I couldn't help but notice my phone lit up my head in the dark like a floodlight. Turn down your screen's brightness setting.

That's good to know. It never occurred to me.

 

[cluck]

Emergency App

How about developing an app that upon opening requires some additional gesture (eliminates butt dialing 911....very bad.) then autodials 9-1-1, simultaneously silences (minimum volume) and dims screen, and starts the video recorder. On screen option to turn camera light on or off. What's more scary than a firearm pointed at you?.....A camera pointed at you! The phone pinched between the thumb and forefinger of the support hand with the back of the hand underneath your weapon hand. Same hand position as how I hold my tac-light, but grasping differently.

 

[Skribs]

Another concern is the lighting from your phone. During another 911 call one night (to report an alarm going off on another neighbor's property), I couldn't help but notice my phone lit up my head in the dark like a floodlight. Turn down your screen's brightness setting.

Not if I'm using a headset.

How about developing an app that upon opening requires some additional gesture (eliminates butt dialing 911....very bad.) then autodials 9-1-1, simultaneously silences (minimum volume) and dims screen, and starts the video recorder. On screen option to turn camera light on or off. What's more scary than a firearm pointed at you?.....A camera pointed at you! The phone pinched between the thumb and forefinger of the support hand with the back of the hand underneath your weapon hand. Same hand position as how I hold my tac-light, but grasping differently.

So instead of hitting emergency button and dialing 9-1-1, I have to unlock my phone (more complex than hitting 9-1-1), scroll to the desktop that has the app, open the app, and do the gesture. Holding the phone is a lot less ergonomic than holding a flashlight.

 

[splattergun]

Is your home wired for a landline?

If it is, you can plug in a hardwire phone which will allow you to call 9-1-1. An additional advantage is that it automatically gives your location...you might need to verify with the local LEA

In some areas, but not all, the 'soft dial tone' you have, even though you don't subscribe to a landline, will allow you to call 911, the same way an unsubscribed cell phone will. The BIG difference is that a landline will usually give the 911 call center the address you are calling from, whereas a cell phone doesn't. Connect a phone to a jack in your home as 9mmepiphany suggests.

If your 'soft dial tone' does not allow you to call 911, then it likely will allow you to connect to the Tel. Co. customer service, and they can connect you to 911. The only way I know a cell can give your exact position is if you use the GPS feature, which with my service, is an expensive option. I continue to subscribe to landline service, even though it seems outdated to many people. It is the most reliable means of communication in an emergency, at least while I'm at home. My cell service is often iffy at home.

When I am away from home I must naturally rely on my cell in event of emergency. Every cell phone I've owned and my current smart phone have one-touch access to voice dialing. I have learned to use it quickly programmed it to call 911 with a pharase that is easy to remember in emergency, yet not likely to be used accidentally. THe biggest snag with that is, if I am stressed out, the voice system might not recognize my verbal command. Landlines don't have that issue. Even a pay phone (remember those?) allows a free call to 911.

You have options.

 

[TonyDedo]

The arguement is that, in the case of a "he said, she said" situation, whoever contacts the police first is generally biased as the "good guy." I've seen some evidence to support this position, but I haven't delved into it.

There is an alarm company (don't recall the name off the top of my head, you'll have to Goggle it) that has a wireless alarm system that utilizes a cellular connection. The alarm kit includes a panic button that triggers a call to the local PD. Very easy so long as you're home, keep the panic button next to your gun and you're good to go.

Most smart phones also have a one touch "emergency" call option that you can set up to can call 911 (or the local PD, if that's easier) with a single touch of a button. Good option for when you're out and about.

 

[cluck]

Not if I'm using a headset.



So instead of hitting emergency button and dialing 9-1-1, I have to unlock my phone (more complex than hitting 9-1-1), scroll to the desktop that has the app, open the app, and do the gesture. Holding the phone is a lot less ergonomic than holding a flashlight.

I can summon "Siri" while my phone is locked. Siri can start the app! What am I saying. Are you going to trust this task to Siri? I can barely get her to follow simple things....
As far as ergonomics, I wouldn't suggest it if I hadn't tried it. It's not like holding my Surefire, but its not horrible. My Otterbox gives me a little ridge too.

 

[cluck]

Caveat:

OK. I haven't fired my HK in this configuration and it probably would go flying....

 

[Akita1]

Surely, in the event of a violent criminal attack, the cell phone is not going to summon protection timely.

However, before urging "well placed shots", it is essential that we introduce some clarity here.

First, in some states, a mere attempt at unlawful entry will not lawfully justify the use of deadly force; in those jurisdictions, unlawful entry must actually have been effected.

Second, only one jurisdiction allows the use of deadly force for the protection of tangible, moveable property, and then only under limited circumstances. Let's be very clear on that. The reason for using deadly force to protect the "castle" is to defend the family.

Finally, let us not lead anyone to believe that we should not notify authorities of serious danger until after we have fired our firearm. If it is possible for someone to call 911 before shooting without putting anyone at serious risk, it is always the thing to do.

Kleanbore - much thanks for your thoughtful guidance and agree on all counts. I live in FL so I sometimes tend to take an "aggressive defensive" stance due to our castle doctrine.

I have two personal experiences, one a home burglary and the other a road rage, where I felt my life was being threatened and was not adequately prepared (in both cases I had dialed 911). In the first I had an escape option (and took it), in the second I was stuck in traffic and had one option: thankfully I have the gift of gab and talked my way through it.

I was single then and a bit more reckless than now; these days my responsibilities as a husband and father drive everything. I now carry full time or have my CCW readily accessible. If an armed perp enters my home, we have a practiced plan for my wife to grab our small children, barricade themselves in a secure location and call 911 while I defend the single point of entry to that location.

Only the decadent luxury of time (hopefully) afforded by well-secured entry points and an alarm system will grant us the choice to fumble with a phone or steady my position to defend my wife and children. They can take everything they want, but if a step is made on the stairs there will be no Q&A.

Again, much thanks for your thoughtful guidance.

 

[Akita1]

Sorry for quoting the FL statute - it's very different from most states and thought it would be useful but apparently is cited somewhere else on THR. Apologies.

 

[psyopspec]

Do you have an iPhone? Press and hold home button for 1 second, then siri activates, say "Call 911."

Headset if you have time and can safely do so. Speaker if you have time and can safely do so. Or if you don't, one hand is able to keep your weapon up, and one for the phone.

 

[riceboy72]

Skribs,

I'll speak to this since this has been my profession for the past 18 years. Everyone has very valid and wise, well thought out commentary regarding this subject. My two cents:

* If you dial 911 from your cell phone, it will not give us your pinpoint, exact location, no matter what TV portrays or your friends tell you. You have to be awake enough to give us your full location, to include the name of your condos along with any gate and/or access codes so I can get the officers in quickly and efficiently.

* Plugging your phone into the wall at night with your phone's Bluetooth button activated is an option as it will charge and allow you to utilize the Bluetooth simultaneously. If you need it, I guess have the presence of mind to grab your Bluetooth (which is already on), put it on and grab your phone and slide it into your pocket so you can now go hands free and move about while maintaining contact with the phone. Make sure you do test runs with this to ensure a) it works, and b) there are no 'dead zones' in your condo. We find certain places that are encased in concrete (Walmart, for instance) eat signal. While your most common places like your bedroom and living room receive signal, going into your bathroom or garage may kill it.

* In the event that you call us and don't get everything out, and your phone's GPS won't tell us exactly where to find you, we may 'ping' your phone through your carrier to get your address. Please make sure your billing address is up to date because that's where I send help. Not a PO box, not your ex-girlfriend or your parents' house, but your address.

* In your 'lock' screen on your phone, you may have a button for emergency calls that you can push and not have to unlock your phone. If you have this funtion, be familiar enough with your phone to be able to locate it and press it to dial 911. Not all phones have it, but if yours does, use it. You may find it easier to press one button versus unlocking the phone and then the button to bring up your keypad and finally the three buttons to reach us.

* Dialing 911 from your cell phone is no guarantee that it will go to your local 911 center (in your situation, it's South Sound 911 which dispatches for the Lakewood Police Department). You may get the dispatch center for the Washington State Patrol as they often pick up the cellular calls. If you happen to get them, make sure they understand you live in Lakewood and request to be transferred to them.

* Lastly, if you've not yet, there is no harm in dialing 911 from your cell phone to test it and see a) which dispatch center it goes to, and b) what the readout says and how close the GPS puts your call relative to your real location. Remember, 'Phase II' 911 is not foolproof. It's better than what it used to be, but it still won't pinpoint you to me if I need to send you assistance.

I hope this addressed some of your questions. The most prepared callers to 911 have everything ready for us when we grab that line: Name, address, phone number, name of your apartment/development/condo, and the rest of the pertinent information which is situation dependent. If you've never thought about all of this (you'd be surprised at the amount of people who don't know the name of their complex), get to know it so it rolls off your tongue.