By Shelbie Watts, EMS1 Editorial Assistant
It has been 50 years since the very first 911 call was made in Haleyville, Alabama, and although technology and capabilities have come a long way since then, not every caller has used the system properly.
Here are some of the worst “emergencies” that callers have felt the need to convey to dispatchers in the past half-century.
10. Drunk man calls 911, says his wife is a black widow spider
William Rutger, 61, was arrested after making an allegedly alcohol-related 911 call twice.
9. Man calls 911 to ask about lasagna cheese substitute
The man said not having cheese in his dish was considered a life-threatening emergency.
8. Wedding guests call 911 to request police escort
The unidentified guests asked a dispatcher if a police officer could help them get to the wedding on time, as they were running late.
7. Restaurant patron calls 911 to report small clams
Nelson Agosto called 911 to complain about the clams, and once again after he forgot the non-emergency phone number the dispatcher gave him.
6. Police: Man called 911 to get ride to Hooters
The man told dispatchers he needed a ride, because his grandmother suffered a stroke in the Hooters parking lot.
5. Ind. man calls 911 for help with air conditioning unit
The man claimed to have a medical emergency; he was arrested and charged for obstructing emergency services.
4. 911 call: Man tells dispatcher he is “too high” on marijuana
Police found the Ohio man, 22, on the floor in the fetal position and surrounded by snacks.
3. Girl calls 911 after touching Elf on the Shelf
The 7-year-old NJ child, fearing she ruined the Elf’s Christmas magic, self-reported her infraction to 911.
2. ND mother calls ambulance to give kids ride to school
The woman called 911 and when police arrived at the house she threatened to kill the three officers.
1. EMT fakes 911 call to avoid sick child call
The EMT was arrested for allegedly placing a fake call to avoid responding to a call about a sick child in New York.