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What is Misuse of 911 in Wyoming?

Published in Wyoming Emergency Law 4 mins read

In Wyoming, misuse of the 911 emergency system occurs when an individual knowingly places a call for a purpose other than a legitimate emergency. This specifically means contacting 911 for situations that are not reasonably believed to require prompt service to preserve or protect human life, health, or property.

Understanding 911 Misuse in Wyoming

Under Wyoming law, calling 911 for non-emergency reasons is not just an inconvenience; it is a misdemeanor. This legal classification underscores the seriousness with which the state treats the appropriate use of emergency services. The system is designed for critical situations where immediate intervention by law enforcement, fire departments, or emergency medical services is necessary.

What Constitutes Misuse?

Misuse generally involves calling 911 when there isn't an actual emergency. This can include:

  • Prank or joke calls: Intentionally calling 911 without a genuine emergency to tie up lines.
  • Non-emergency inquiries: Asking for information that can be obtained elsewhere, such as directions, weather forecasts, concert times, or general police department phone numbers.
  • Reporting minor inconveniences: Calling for issues that do not pose an immediate threat to life, health, or property (e.g., a power flicker without a fire, a minor non-injury fender bender where vehicles can be moved).
  • Testing the system: Making a call simply to see if 911 is working.
  • Repeat calls for non-emergencies: Continuously calling 911 after being advised that the situation is not an emergency.

The core principle is whether a reasonable person would believe the situation requires an immediate emergency response to protect someone or something from harm.

When to Call 911 (Appropriate Use)

The 911 system is a lifeline for true emergencies. Here are examples of situations where calling 911 is appropriate:

  • Medical Emergencies:
    • Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke.
    • Unconsciousness or severe bleeding.
    • Serious injuries from accidents or falls.
  • Fires:
    • Any fire, no matter how small, that is out of control.
    • Smoke coming from a building.
  • Crimes in Progress:
    • Burglary or robbery in action.
    • Assault or domestic violence occurring.
    • Active shooter situations.
  • Serious Accidents:
    • Vehicle collisions with injuries.
    • Accidents involving hazardous materials.
    • Incidents where people are trapped or in immediate danger.
  • Threats to Safety:
    • Immediate threats to human life or health.
    • Situations where property is actively being destroyed or is in imminent danger.

Consequences of 911 Misuse

As mentioned, knowingly misusing 911 in Wyoming is classified as a misdemeanor. The specific penalties can vary depending on the judge's discretion and the circumstances, but can include fines, imprisonment in a county jail, or both. Beyond the legal consequences, misuse ties up valuable emergency resources, potentially delaying response times for genuine emergencies where every second counts.

Why Responsible 911 Use is Crucial

Every time 911 is called for a non-emergency, dispatchers and first responders are diverted from potential life-threatening situations. This can lead to:

  • Delayed responses: Emergency personnel may be tied up with a prank call instead of rushing to a heart attack or a house fire.
  • Resource depletion: Limited resources like ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks may be dispatched unnecessarily.
  • Increased risk: Genuine emergencies could escalate if help is not available immediately.

Tips for Proper 911 Usage

  • Know the difference: Understand what constitutes a true emergency versus a non-emergency.
  • Program non-emergency numbers: Keep local police department non-emergency lines and other community service numbers saved in your phone.
  • Stay calm and clear: If you do need to call 911, speak clearly, state your location, and describe the emergency succinctly.
  • Educate children: Teach children the importance of 911 and when it is appropriate to call.
  • If you accidentally call: Do not hang up. Stay on the line and explain to the dispatcher that it was an accidental call. This prevents them from sending responders to check on a potential emergency.
Misuse of 911 (Examples) Appropriate Use of 911 (Examples)
Asking for directions or movie times Reporting a severe car crash with injuries
Making a prank call or false report Reporting an active house fire
Inquiring about a power outage in your neighborhood Reporting a medical emergency like a sudden collapse
Calling because you lost your keys Reporting a crime in progress, such as a burglary
Testing if your phone can dial 911 Reporting an immediate threat to life or property