FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Officers responding to a 911 hang-up helped patch up a concerned 6-year-old girl's stuffed bunny rabbit, according to Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS).
FCPS released audio of the officers' response, which included an astonished mother saying the phone she called on is not in service and was primarily used for games.
The officers were able to turn the 911 call into a teachable moment. Authorities offered a few tips for calling 911:
- Put old devices used by children for games or videos into airplane mode to avoid accidentally 911 calls, and know that emergency calls can be made from devices if WiFi is active.
- Teach your family about when it is appropriate to call 911.
- Don't hang up if you accidentally call 911. Instead, stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that help is not needed.
"We take every call seriously, including hangups, so please help us out and let us know if you call by mistake."
While the officers were able to help patch-up the bunny, FCPS asked that 911 only be called if you or another person is in immediate danger.
"Disclaimer: not all officers are equipped with the same rabbit repair skills, so please do not call police for furmergencies. If your stuffed animal is having difficulties, we'd advise consulting someone with sewing experience. If your actual animal is having a medical issue, please contact a veterinarian."
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