Society · Facts & sources
6 sourced facts about 911 and emergency calls, each with the context behind the number. 4 more are in today's round and appear here after it closes.
Answer$53,040 ($25.50 an hour)
Dispatchers answer emergency calls and send police, fire and ambulance crews.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Public Safety Telecommunicators (2025) bls.gov
Answer112
It is free of charge, and operators in many countries can also answer in English or French.
Source: European Commission, 112 – the European emergency number digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu
AnswerHigh school diploma or equivalent
Emergencies never stop, so dispatch centers are staffed around the clock.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Public Safety Telecommunicators (2025) bls.gov
AnswerAn automatic 'bounce-back' message
FCC rules require wireless carriers and texting providers to send it, advising you to contact 911 another way.
Source: Federal Communications Commission, Text to 911 fcc.gov
AnswerGrow 4%
That's about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Public Safety Telecommunicators (2025) bls.gov
Answer1991
New cars in the EU come with eCall, which automatically dials 112 after a serious crash.
Source: European Commission, 112 – the European emergency number digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu