U.S. transition to 988 suicide and crisis lifeline begins Saturday

Re:U.S. transition to 988 suicide and crisis lifeline begins... by kelseyfrog on Saturday July 16, 2022 @04:04PM (#32121446)

Thank you for pointing that out. Is it that my idea of when to call is too narrow? I am having a hard time understanding the difference between what I listed and official resources[1] which say things like

> 911 is to be used for emergencies only. An emergency is any serious medical problem (chest pain, seizure, bleeding), any type of fire (business, car, building), any life-threatening situation (fights, person with weapons, etc.) or to report crimes in progress.

1. https://www.fcva.us/departments/public-safety-communications...

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Re:U.S. transition to 988 suicide and crisis lifeline begins... by adrianmonk on Saturday July 16, 2022 @04:37PM (#32121738)

This won't solve 100% of cases, but when in doubt (and if life or limb aren't at risk), can't you call 311 and let them tell you, if necessary, to hang up and dial 911 instead?

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Re:U.S. transition to 988 suicide and crisis lifeline begins... by rascul on Saturday July 16, 2022 @04:46PM (#32121803)

This is the first time I can recall hearing of 311. Apparently there's a wiki page on it. Looks like it might not be available everywhere.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-1-1

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Re:U.S. transition to 988 suicide and crisis lifeline begins... by vorpalhex on Saturday July 16, 2022 @05:41PM (#32122245)

You can and eventually you will be transferred but you will absolutely be met with the: "Sir, next time call 911". I speak from experience.

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Re:U.S. transition to 988 suicide and crisis lifeline begins... by vorpalhex on Saturday July 16, 2022 @04:08PM (#32121472)

Yes, it's too narrow. The 911 dispatcher on the other side is a human being who can handle priorities.

A good example is if you have a disabled vehicle blocking an intersection - that's a 911 call.

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