[Gigachad]

It’s been a constant issue in Australia recently. The 3G network shut down and it turns out a lot of phones were using 3G exclusively for emergency calls. As well as various network operator bugs.

Emergency calls being their own system which rarely gets tested by users is becoming a real issue.

[im3w1l]

They should make a 912 number that works exactly like any other number, with all the pros and cons of that. Though I guess then there would be no incentive to fix the special one.

[DoctorOW]

I was thinking the opposite. A 912 number should use the exact same network and systems as 911, but just goes to a computer at the other end reading off some diagnostic info for guilt free testing.

[ErroneousBosh]

That wouldn't necessarily solve the problem.

In the UK if you ring 999, you get put through to a 999 call handling centre that'll forward your call onto the police, fire and rescue, or ambulance service.

As part of 999 handling, emergency control rooms can subscribe to a service called EISEC, which will provide details of the 999 centre that forwarded the call and an approximate location of the caller. This is determined from network provider records for fixed-line phones, or from your phone's GPS if you ring from a mobile, or as an absolute last resort the GPS location of the nearest mobile serving site. The protocol is actually published and available to the public as SIN278 (Supplier Information Notice), but you will absolutely not be able to roll your own and expect to connect it to BT's network just for funsies. I know, I asked.

Anyway, to do a full end-to-end test you really need to ring 999, ask to be put through to the service you're testing, and check that your location pops up on their dispatch system. The 999 operators are always happy to help verify lines and so on, as long as you're not excessive.

The one thing you must never do if you accidentally call 999/112/911 is just hang up. DO NOT DO THIS. They WILL send the cops to check out what's going on, and they will send them quickly. If you (or your small child) calls 999, take the phone, explain it was an accidental call and you don't need assistance, and they'll close it off.

[0_____0]

This is a cool idea.