WASHINGTON-According to a public service announcement aired nationwide in conjunction with National Wireless Safety Week, “Rescue 911” host William Shatner pointed out that more than 50,000 emergency calls are made from wireless devices every day. Some of those callers were singled out as “Wireless Samaritans” and winners of this year’s VITA (life) Awards, sponsored by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association and presented in a Washington, D.C., ceremony.
Police officer Jeff Augram of Fairview, N.C., winner of the Highway Hero Award, used his cellular phone to summon additional help after stabilizing an injured child following a hit-and-run accident. “Good Samaritan” winner Dan Torbert of Americus, Ga., used his phone to ascertain the condition and location of several women and girls trapped in a flood-ravaged home before carrying them through deep water to safety. “Crime Stopper” Lisa Talmadge of Bayonne, N.J., was sideswiped and then accosted by another driver but still maintained wireless contact with emergency dispatchers, who were able to guide police to the perpetrator.
San Francisco-based Dr. Dennis Tison just happened to have his cellular phone with him while rowing near the Golden Gate Bridge. The “Lifesaver” award-winner saved the life of a suicide jumper by putting a lifejacket on him and calling 911 for Coast Guard help. The Grand VITA Award was given to Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems and AT&T Wireless Services Inc. for their telecom contributions during the Oklahoma City bombing disaster.
Each recipient was given a plaque and a $1,000 contribution to a charity of choice. During the ceremony, special guest Shatner related a personal 911 incident in which he witnessed a vehicle fire while driving on a rain-washed Ventura Freeway. When he placed his cellular call, the emergency dispatcher did not believe his identity and ordered him to repeat “Rescue 911” as he does on his television show. The intonation convinced her, and a squad car was sent to help the driver.
According to Maryland Highway Patrol head Col. David Mitchell, wireless telephony has helped his state’s year-long effort to crack down on aggressive drivers. Cellular phone users who spot dangerous drivers on Maryland roads can call “#77” to connect to the nearest Highway Patrol barrack; troopers then can track down the offender by using the caller’s description and location. Incidents have decreased 25 percent since last Memorial Day.
In a written statement, the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Inc. said, “We also encourage continued participation of our association and the industry in deliberations toward the development of location technologies which will allow the identification of wireless callers with the reliability and speed currently enjoyed by E-911 systems and networks in the wired environment.”
