A feature on Apple’s iPhone is causing some people to call 9-1-1 without knowing.
Tapping the side button five times will dial 9-1-1.
David Mitchell says he was surprised when it happened.
“My wife was at the grocery store and I guess her phone had been rattling around the side of the shopping cart and it made an accidental 9-1-1 call. So she received a call from the 9-1-1 dispatcher to make sure she was okay.”
Devin Fraser says he was startled when he handed the phone to his wife and the number come up.
“Instant panic mode seeing 9-1-1 on the phone. My first mistake was I hung up which caused more problems with the 9-1-1 people because then they had to call me back.”
RCMP Corporal Jennifer Clarke says police have to respond to every 9-1-1 call.
“People should be reassured knowing that. And yes, it’s embarrassing when a police officer comes to your house and your child, perhaps, has picked up your phone and dialled 9-1-1. But it’s important, we do have to check.”
Clarke goes on to say, “A 9-1-1 call is a high priority and we do have to respond to those as quickly as we’re able to. But if you do stay on the line and explain that it was made in error then we at least know that we can finish up whatever it is we are doing and allocate our resources accordingly.”
The feature can be disabled in the phone settings.
