(CHAT News Today)

By Brian Konrad / David Opinko

911 flooded with calls as Albertans try to book COVID vaccines through 811 line

Feb 25, 2021 | 11:47 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Some Albertan seniors trying to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointments mistakenly phoned the wrong number.

LNN reported Wednesday that, on the first day that those aged 75+ were able to make appointments, 150,000 people visited the AHS COVID-19 Vaccine Booking website while many others called Health Link 811.

READ MORE: 150K seniors tried to book COVID vaccine appointments in first day, 25K successful

The problem is, some people who were trying to phone 811 had instead called 911.

In Medicine Hat, for example, their 911 communication centre reports that they had an elevated number of calls.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Upon realizing their mistake, some of the callers hung up instead of staying on the line to speak with an operator.

That creates extra work for the 911 dispatcher, who must then call back to verify the person on the other end of the line is okay and police are not required.

Manager of Medicine Hat’s 911 Communication Centre, Paul Blasetti, says it’s much like a false alarm to the fire department.

“We don’t know what’s going on on the other end and so it’s about ensuring that it is safe on that scene and there’s no need for an emergency service response of any nature.”

He says they will notify police of a hang-up coming on a landline and they will respond to ensure public safety.

If the call is from a cell phone, the operator will call back to make sure all is well.

If a minor calls in error and hangs up, police will also be sent to ensure their safety.

The bottom line is, if you dial in error, stay on the line and speak with the operator – don’t just hang up.