Does it cost to call emergency services? 911?

Question

Does it cost to call 911? Or a dispatcher?

Answer 1

well not excatly it doesnt cost anything to call 911
but did you ever see your phone bill
sometimes there is a tax (for gues what !) 911!
it might called a 911 tax or emegercy services fee

Answer 2

I'm not 100% sure about the US but I would imagine it would be similar to Australia. Generally the person who receives the ambulance will be liable to pay the charge (often around $300+ depending on the number of vehicles required, the type of vehicle required ie; road or air ambulance, any other resources such as Search and Rescue etc). Most Australian's pay a small amount per year (about $50 for singles, or $100 for families) for ambulance cover. That way if an ambulance is required they are exempt from the fee. In the case of road accidents we have a no fault scheme in that if an ambulance is required (providing that the car is registered (it's illegal to not register a car)) the service is charged to the taxpayer and funds are appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which receives it money through taxes and levys (like car registration). At least one state in Australia has a free ambulance service - however this is under scrutiny as the state cannot afford to employ enough paramedics and as such the service's integrity is compromised. Finally in the event of a prank call, often no one is charged for the fee - it's not fair to charge the victim and often calls are made by public phones making identification of the perpotrator difficult. If they are caught however they often will have to pay a hefty fine for punishment and to also substantiate the service.

Answer 3

It does not cost. Even a cell phone with no service will connect to 911.

This is why if you have old phones you can't or don't use, you can donate them to women's shelters. Woman who have been abused and are now living in shelters can use them to call 911 when needed.

Answer 4

What happen if it DOES cost to call 911? Should people pay during the call or after the call?

Answer 5

No it doesn't cost anything. Even cell phones that are disconnected can still dial 911 for free.

Answer 6

it does not cost to call 911 but it does cost if EMT responds. cost break down is something like this:
the response of EMT
the radio link to hospital staff
the medicines and equipment used
transportation of patient to medical facility
follow up
about $6000. that's why you need insurance

Answer 7

Doesn't cost anything from a landline or cell.

Answer 8

the tax payers, but if it is a false call, you can be fined or jailed or both

Answer 9

nothing is free! tax dollars @ work!!

Answer 10

it shouldnt but if it do i would reverse the charges