Erie Area Council of Governments and Erie County Department of Public Safety launch public education campaign regarding use of 9-1-1

Erie, PA - The Erie Area Council of Governments (EACOG) has partnered with the Erie County Department of Public Safety to develop a campaign informing the public of the importance of using the 9-1-1 system for emergencies only.

Each year the Erie County 911 Center receives over 40,000 emergency medical service calls. Nearly a quarter of those calls are for situations which do not require emergency response. When calls come through which are not truly emergencies it can delay the time it takes to respond to life-threatening events.

"Erie County's Enhanced 9-1-1 System plays a vital role in saving lives and property," said John Grappy, Director of Erie County Department of Public Safety. "While we do not want to discourage people from calling 9-1-1 if they have a life-threatening or serious emergency, we do want the public to consider if their circumstances are a medical emergency requiring an immediate response by an ambulance."

The public education campaign includes video and print media intended to reduce non-emergency calls by reminding the community of other options for seeking medical advice and care. These options can include calling your physician or visiting an urgent care center if you are able to wait for medical treatment. These options ensure those who truly need emergency transportation and services can receive these vital services quickly and efficiently.

The informational flyer and video PSA are available on the Erie County Government Website: Calling 911 | Erie County, PA (eriecountypa.gov)

About Erie Area Council of Governments (EACOG)

The Erie Area Council of Governments was founded in 1993 as a voluntary association of Erie County municipalities. The EACOG works to improve the lives of Erie County residents through multi-municipal projects, programs, and services that enhance operations, reduce duplication, decrease costs, improve efficiency, and leverage resources for all Erie County municipalities.