EON

Emergency Services Issue Caution About 911 Usage

Edmonton- The public emergency services department in Edmonton has issues a broad warning for the public about the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol telephones that use the Internet for connection.

The department is warning the public that it is essential that they ensure that the 911 address that is on file with their Internet Phone provider be accurate and up to date, to avoid a reoccurrence of the tragedy that occurred last week.

Little Elijah Luck of Calgary perished while ambulances were sent to the family former home, instead of their actual residence in Calgary. Elijah was just 18 months old and experiencing distress when his family, who have Comwave VoIP telephone service called 911 for help.

Because Comwave had the address different than where the family actually lives, the ambulance was sent to the wrong address. When the ambulance finally arrived in Calgary at the correct address little Elijah had already passed away.

“Its up to the consumer to make sure that their 911 services is properly set up with their phone company, they don’t want to wait for an emergency to find out its in error,” said Nikki Booth.

Nikki Booth is the spokesman for Fire Rescue Services for the City of Edmonton.