Things You Should Never Call 911 For, According To Dispatchers

Blue Velvet
February 17, 2022 584 votes 60 voters
List Rules
Vote up the worst reasons to call for emergency services.

You may be surprised to learn that not all 911 calls actually require immediate assistance. In fact, some are little more than a waste of time. These 911 operator stories outline the very worst 911 calls they ever received so you don't pick up the phone for similar reasons.

  • 1
    63 VOTES

    They Wanted Their Neighbor's Trash Moved

    From Redditor u/Dj_Baum:

    Had a lady call in because she wanted her neighbor's trash moved since she had company coming over. Trash pickup was the next day so it's not even like the neighbor had it out too early.

  • 2
    61 VOTES

    They Were Scared Their Neighbor's Saw Was Going To Blow Down The Street

    From Redditor u/karsizzle:

    One caller was concerned for his safety when going outside his house because the neighbor a couple of houses down had his table saw out in his garage and he was afraid the wind would blow the blade over to his house and injure him...

  • 3
    57 VOTES

    They Called And Asked The Fire Department To Bring Them Milk

    From Redditor u/Byzantium42:

    My grandma used to call 911 to have the fire department bring her milk (she lived next to the fire department). She did this multiple times. Eventually, the fire chief gave her his direct line and he brought her milk until she came to live with us.

  • 4
    50 VOTES

    They Called "To Make Sure It Works"

    From Redditor u/BeneficialVacation44:

    I know a few 911 operators and they tell me that they consistently get 911 calls "to make sure it works."

    Clearly, in this day and age when idiots seem to rule, this needs to be said. 911 does indeed work. You'll find out when the cops arrive at your door and yell at you for being among the most stupid people in the nation. And hopefully a hefty fine as well.

  • 5
    67 VOTES

    They Thought There Was A Forest Fire But It Was Just The Sunrise

    From Redditor u/TheGeofoam:

    I once heard of a 911 call, where this guy calls early in the morning to report a forest fire. He goes on saying it’s getting closer and then goes silent. He then said never mind. The forest fire was the sun coming up. He admitted that he normally isn’t up at this early in the morning

  • 6
    60 VOTES

    They Nicked Themself Shaving

    From Redditor u/tawnyfawny:

    Paramedic here. I have been called out for a grown man who nicked himself shaving. It had stopped by the time we arrived. I taught him the “toilet paper square” trick and about styptic pencils. He still wanted the $40 taxi ride to the emergency room.