My Phone Needs 911 - Call a Bambulance
I was camping with my daughter, just about to start a fire, when my cell phone rang. I almost didn’t answer it, which is out of character for me, but I was sure it was a telemarketer, but I dropped what I was doing, and answered it. I was taken by surprise by the voice on the other end, that stated “This is Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Department is this Average Joe“. I confirmed with the dispatcher that I was indeed Average Joe. Now my mind is starting to run 100 different things as to who is injured and needs help or who in my family needed 911 and they are calling me so I can get to the hospital. The 911 dispatcher then proceeded to inquire multiple times if I was OK, if was I in need of assistance, do I need the police, fire, or an ambulance. She asked the same question several times, to make sure I was good. She told me that they received a text message from my phone that I needed help. I again assured her that I was good and we ended the call. I waited for a good hour, thinking that a deputy would show up to confirm, however, that never happened and I’m very happy it did not occur.
It appears that an app on my phone that I installed, managed to send a text message to 911. I quickly uninstalled this app, so it wouldn’t become self-aware and connect with Skynet.
FYI, if you didn’t already know this, you can text 911. That is extremely helpful in certain situations such as, you are trying to covertly alert the police. Texting uses a different method of communication with cell phone towers and uses less battery than voice. So you might be able to text for help, even if you don’t have good voice signal strength.
Welcome to the Average Joe Weekly blog. This is basically my place on the web where I can help spread some of the knowledge that I have accumulated over the years. I served 10+ years in the Marine Corps on Active Duty, but that was some 25 years ago.
