71% of People Say 911 Calls Made a Difference in Their Lives

Nobody wants to be in a situation where calling 911 becomes necessary, but when emergencies strike, it’s often the first number we dial. With over 240 million calls made to 911 in the U.S. each year, it’s clear just how critical this system is. To better understand the public’s experience, the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch™ (IAED®) recently conducted a nationwide survey, and the results speak volumes.

Most People Will Call 911 at Some Point in Their Lives

Emergency situations aren’t as rare as we might think. According to the IAED’s survey, 73% of people have called 911 at least once. For over half of those callers (54%), it happened between one and three times, while nearly 1 in 5 reported calling four times or more.

And These Calls Matter—Often in Life-Saving Ways

An astounding 71% of respondents agreed to some extent that their call to 911 made a difference in their lives. Even more striking, 59% said their call may have saved a life. These findings underscore the essential role dispatchers play in crisis situations.

Speaking of Calm… Dispatchers Reduce Panic, Too

Emergencies are inherently stressful, and for those who remembered feeling fear or anxiety during the call, 82% reported feeling calmer after connecting with a dispatcher. That calm matters. It can mean clearer communication, faster response, and better outcomes.

Public Trust in Dispatchers Is High

It’s encouraging to see that 83% of people expressed confidence in their local 911 dispatchers based on personal experience. This trust is a testament to the professionalism and compassion that dispatchers bring to their work every day.

While we hope to never need to call 911 for ourselves or our families, it helps to know that we have a system in place that can help save lives and maintain a sense of calm. From the team here at Michigan Mama News to all the first responders out there, thank you. You make a difference.