Emergency dispatchers in Metro Vancouver faced a barrage of utterly inappropriate calls in 2025, with complaints about traffic congestion, a bad haircut, and airline carry-on limits ranking among the year's most egregious misuses of the 911 system. The emergency communications centre, E-Comm, highlighted these calls to remind the public that the life-saving service is for critical emergencies only.
From Trivial to Troublesome: A Snapshot of Misuse
The call-takers at E-Comm, who are the first point of contact for police, fire, and ambulance services across the region, are trained to handle high-stress, life-or-death situations. However, their time and critical resources were repeatedly diverted in 2025 by calls that had no business on an emergency line. Among the worst offenders was a caller dialing 911 to complain about being stuck in traffic. Another individual used the emergency line to express dissatisfaction with a recent haircut. Perhaps most astonishing was a caller who contacted 911 to argue about an airline's carry-on baggage limits, seeking intervention from emergency services.
These frivolous calls tie up lines that could be needed for someone experiencing a heart attack, a house fire, or a crime in progress. Every second counts in a genuine emergency, and a non-urgent call can delay the response to someone in desperate need of help. The details were released by E-Comm on December 30, 2025, as a year-end reminder of the critical importance of using 911 responsibly.
The Real Cost of Non-Emergency Calls
While the examples of traffic, haircut, and airline complaints are particularly egregious, they represent a broader and persistent challenge for emergency communications centres. Misuse of 911 is not merely a nuisance; it is a significant drain on public safety resources. Call-takers must spend valuable time assessing these calls to determine they are not emergencies, which can lead to increased stress and burnout among staff who are poised to handle traumatic situations.
Furthermore, during peak times or major incidents, a single non-emergency call blocking a line could have catastrophic consequences. E-Comm and other agencies across Canada continually urge residents to reserve 911 for situations where immediate assistance from police, fire, or paramedics is required. For non-urgent matters, individuals should call their local police non-emergency line or other appropriate service numbers.
A Public Safety Plea for the New Year
The release of these worst 911 calls serves as a stark public education campaign. The core message from E-Comm is unambiguous: 911 is for emergencies only. An emergency is defined as any situation that requires immediate action to prevent serious injury, loss of life, or major property damage. Disputes with businesses, minor complaints, or requests for general information do not qualify.
As Vancouver and the rest of Canada move into 2026, emergency officials hope that public awareness will help keep 911 lines clear for those who truly need them. The actions of a few individuals making inappropriate calls can impact the safety of an entire community. Remembering the vital purpose of 911 ensures that this essential service remains effective and responsive for everyone during their most critical moments.
