New 911 policy prioritizes emergencies

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A new 911 policy in Providence gives emergency calls top priority and means people who don't have a serious problem will have to wait.

The Providence Journal reports that the new policy took effect Wednesday.

Dispatchers will now determine whether callers have one of 14 serious situations, including a suspected heart attack or an attack involving weapons. If so, they'll send a crew right away.

Callers with problems including flu-like symptoms and dental complaints will have to wait if crews are tied up with emergencies.

Under the old system, ambulances were sent to every call. If the city's six fire rescue crews were tied up, they got help from neighboring communities.

Some neighboring towns complained they were overstretched and threatened to stop sending aid to Providence.