911 Calls
Q – How do I make an emergency/911 call?
A – If you have an emergency you should use your standard telephone line or tty to call your local emergency service number directly (911). The nature of internet-based telecommunications relay services does not allow Hamilton to automatically recognize your location and the service should not be used for emergency calls.
If you no longer have a telephone line and/or a tty, you may place an emergency call using Hamilton VRS. Add 911.hamiltonvrs.tv to your videophone address book and dial. This will allow your emergency call to be answered ahead of other callers who are waiting for a video interpreter. You will be required to provide important information, including your location information as well as the nature of your emergency.
Q – How is a 911 call through Hamilton VRS handled?
A – Because the Internet functions differently than the standard telephone network, your specific location information is not able to automatically be given to emergency personnel. Therefore, the VI will connect to the emergency call center through a third party agency that keeps track of the local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) centers across the country that handle emergency/911 calls.
You will be required to provide your specific location, as well as the nature of your emergency to the VI when connected. Your call with then be directed to the nearest PSAP to you and emergency personnel will communicate with you through the VI regarding your emergency.
Q – How long will it take for me to connect with the emergency center (Public Safety Answering Point, PSAP)?
A – It could take some time to get your call connected to the correct PSAP. If you have a TTY or a land-line phone, we encourage you to dial 911 directly as it will be answered by the PSAP more quickly.
Q – If I call hamiltonvrs.tv, can I still ask the VI to dial 911?
A – Yes, you can call 911 through Hamilton Video Relay regardless of which IP address you call. However, calling the general Hamilton VRS address will not advance your emergency call ahead of other calls. Should you choose to use Hamilton VRS to place an emergency call, you should dial 911.hamiltonvrs.tv and your call will be advanced to the front of the line.