In Seattle, they just do things…differently.
New Report Shows AI Used to Divert Some 911 Calls–Without Public Knowledge
Seattle Fire Officials admit to the policy, which apparently began in 2023, at least as far as people know.
The Seattle Times reported last Sunday, that a Danish-based AI program, Cortis, was monitoring incoming calls and advising dispatchers to divert certain ones to a Texas-based call center staffed by nurses. And, without public knowledge or prior ‘beta-testing.’ Some calls were diverted, instead of sending an ambulance or other EMS.
Geekwire reports the Department began using the program in 2023, and without being assesed under Seattle’s Surveillance Ordiniance.
The Texas Nursing Line is Under Scrutiny After a Fatality
The report indicates that Texas-based call center is under scrutiny after a 2022 incident in which a retired elderly person waited ten hours for an ambulance to be dispatched, only to have EMS find the person dead in their apartment.
The report also indicates the sytem operated without public scrutiny or disclosure.
Officials Claim AI Also Incorporated in Other Areas Of the State
Seattle Fire and others say similar AI phone systems are being eased in around the state in Snohomish and Kitsap Counties and in the Tri-Cities. However, and we have first-knowlege, the Tri-City AI is only being used to help deal with NON-emergency calls–the ones when you dial the non-emergency dispatch numbers.
Seattle Fire Officials say human dispatchers have final authority over every call, even if prompted by the AI to forward otherwise. City Officials are saying they want to examine the program more closely.
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Gallery Credit: Andrew Lisa