Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / E-Comm, the agency that handles 99 per cent of 9-1-1 call volume in British Columbia, says they are handling an extraordinary level of 9-1-1 calls in the first five months of 2023. Emergency 9-1-1 calls are up 21% in 2023 versus the same period of 2022, and calls are exceeding even that of the 2021 heat dome in B.C.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

911 calls to E-Comm up 21% over 2022

Emergency calls to 911 in May were the highest in E-Comm’s recorded history

Jun 14, 2023 | 12:23 PM

CHILLIWACK — E-Comm, the emergency dispatch agency and the first point of contact for 9-1-1 callers for almost all of British Columbia, says it is managing an extraordinary call volume in just the first five months of 2023.

In a statement Wednesday (June 14), E-Comm, which also provides dispatch services for police, fire and ambulance throughout the province, reports that calls to 9-1-1 are up 21 per cent in the first five months relative to the same five months in 2022.

May was the busiest month in E-Comm’s history dating back to 1997. There were 39 per cent more calls to 9-1-1 in May 2023, compared to May 2022, and the company is forecasting high call volumes throughout the summer.

Extreme heat and wildfires have historically impacted 9-1-1 call volumes, and the return of pre-COVID activities including tourism, social gatherings and events are also likely contributors to the increased demand for emergency services.

An April update to the Android operating system has also contributed to a global increase in auto-dialed false 9-1-1 calls, a problem which cellular phone manufacturers are working to address in a new update to be downloaded to phones throughout June.

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“We have never seen 9-1-1 call volumes this high,” says Oliver Grüter-Andrew, president & CEO of E-Comm. “Despite increasing demands for emergency services, we have continued to meet our service level targets for emergency response this year, thanks to the heroic efforts of our staff who work tirelessly around the clock to keep our communities safe. We have implemented a number of improvements that have helped prepare us for the busy summer ahead, but we still need British Columbians’ help to keep 9-1-1 lines free for emergencies only.”

In light of the record-breaking number of calls to 9-1-1, E-Comm is sharing its top tips for protecting emergency resources.

Tips to protect 9-1-1:

Only call 9-1-1 when immediate emergency assistance is required from police, fire or ambulance. Visit ecomm911.ca for specific examples of when to call.
Know your location in case you need to call 9-1-1. An exact address is always best, but your city, cross streets and major landmarks will also help us find you faster.
Carry your phone carefully to prevent pocket dials to 9-1-1, and know your phone’s safety functions – many phones have automatic 9-1-1 call-dial features including “fall detection” and Emergency SOS that result in false calls. If you do call us by accident, do NOT hang up. Please stay on the line so we can ensure you are safe.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Emergency calls to 911 in May were the highest in E-Comm’s recorded history

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