Skip to main content

911 callers confused by tone in Prince George’s Co.

WASHINGTON — A 911 recording that contains a sound for hearing impaired users that most people associate with fax machines caused confusion for people trying to get help for a man who went into cardiac arrest on Easter Sunday in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Multiple people who tried to report a man in need of urgent medical attention interpreted the loud tone at the end of the 911 call center’s recording as a failed call, NBC Washington reported.

Despite the warning before the tone, “Do not hang up,” the panic and pressure of the situation caused a number of callers to misinterpret the message:

By law, the 911 greeting in Prince George’s County contains the sound for hearing impaired users.

The tone is becoming a concern, as another issue was raised about a month ago, a 911 call center representative told NBC Washington.

Now, officials are warning callers not to hang up when they hear the tone.

MGM National Harbor shows off changes ahead of Monday reopening

If you plan to go to MGM National Harbor when it reopens Monday, bring a mask, and a fully charged cellphone. MGM gave a tour Thursday of some of the changes it's made as it slowly reopens amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Read Next Story