When we get into a difficult situation, we need to be able to think on our feet. Sometimes, being able to think our way out of the situation is the difference between life and death.
This was clearly seen a few years ago when a woman called 911 and asked the dispatcher if they could order a pizza. They really didn’t want a pizza, they were doing this to report the abuser and they had to do so secretly.
This story is not only something that will reveal the brilliance of the person making the call, it also has helped many other people to know what to do when they find themselves in a similar situation.
Although the dispatcher, Tim Teneyck was confused at first by the pizza order, he could tell that she was in a stressful situation. Here’s the transcript.
Teneyck: Oregon 911
Caller: I would like to order a pizza at [address redacted].
Teneyck: You called 911 to order a pizza?
Caller: Uh, yeah. Apartment [redacted].
Teneyck: This is the wrong number to call for a pizza…
Caller: No, no, no. You’re not understanding.
Teneyck: I’m getting you now.
Mr. Teneyck: Is the other guy still there?
Caller: Yep, I need a large pizza.
Mr. Teneyck: All right. How about medical, do you need medical?
Caller: No. With pepperoni.
The woman called 911 because her boyfriend came home drunk and punched her mother, who was there at the time. He was threatening to hurt them both and had shown himself capable of following through in the past.
The woman was pushed so hard that she fell into the wall behind her. Lopez, the assailant, however, said that he did not put his hands on her and only wanted to go to bed.
Eventually, he would be arrested on a domestic violence charge.
This may be something to keep in mind if you are in this specific situation, but it is not something that should be done without considering the consequences. A pizza in an emergency situation is not a standard procedure and it may not work with all 911 call centers.
That being said, it’s always good to consider how you’re going to get out of such a serious situation if you find yourself in one.
