Arlington, TX, June 22, 2020 – The North Central Texas Emergency Communications District launched its “Safe to Save Your Life Campaign” this week in response to the community’s hesitation to dial 9-1-1 during a medical emergency. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, citizens who are experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies such as a heart attack or stroke won’t dial 9-1-1 in fear of contracting COVID-19. This has led to 54% more patients pronounced dead on scene by North Texas EMS crews when compared to 2019, according to MedStar.
The campaign includes local resources from health care providers, emergency medical services, and more. Citizens are encouraged to visit the NCT9-1-1 resource page for a better understanding of how emergency providers are preventing the spread of COVID-19. Videos, fact sheets, and additional links to more resources are available.
“We are concerned that the fear of contracting COVID-19 is preventing citizens in our region from utilizing the resources designed to help them,” said Director of 9-1-1 Christy Williams. “We hope providing education on what precautions have been taken will show citizens that it is safe to dial 9-1-1.”
North Texas citizens experiencing a life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack or stroke are encouraged to seek medical assistance by dialing 9-1-1 or visiting an emergency room. Hesitating to dial 9-1-1 due to fear of contracting COVID-19 could cost citizens their lives.
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About the North Central Texas Emergency Communications District (NCT9-1-1)
The North Central Texas Emergency Communications District (NCT9-1-1) is responsible for 40 plus Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in the 13 counties surrounding the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The district supports these PSAPs through maintaining and upgrading 9-1-1 equipment, providing up-to-date mapping information, training 9-1-1 telecommunicators, educating the public on the proper use of 9-1-1, and monitoring PSAP functionality and compliances. NCT9-1-1 serves a population of 1.7 million and 10,000+ square miles.