I really don't know why I do it to myself. Maybe out of curiosity. I have only listened to a small handful of them but today I think I listened to some of the worst. I know it's never good to listen to them but I get curious then kinda wish I didn't.
One of the ones I listened to today was about a little girl calling because her step dad was beating the crap out of her mom and he also hurt the little girl's 4 year old sister. It was heart wrenching to hear the little girl crying, screaming and pleading for help. I believe this girl was 6.
The second one that made me cry was one of the 911 calls from a teacher during the columbine shooting. She survived but at one point all you hear are gun shots and someone screaming. Not only was this hard to hear but it brought back memories for me on that day.
You see, that day I was working at a Subway that was the second closest (I believe) to the high school. People and a few kids that I guess were on their lunch came in saying they couldn't get to the other Subway because streets were blocked off and there were lots of cop cars. I think there was a little traffic where we were due to things being blocked off around the school. Later that night on the news, I heard the reason why. My heart broke. It also reminded me that at any second of the day, something horrific is going on in someone's life while we are just going about our day. It also made me feel thankful and wanted to hug my kids even more because you just never know.
The other one I heard was the mass shooting at the Aurora theater. As someone was talking to the operator, you can hear nothing but gun shots in the background. It isn't hard to image the people scrambling, hiding and getting shot. I think this one hit me the hardest.
I know exactly where that theater is and have gone there before. At the time, I didn't live close to it but close enough to go there if I wanted. At one point after the incident, I did move just minutes from there and went there a lot once it re-opened. Going there for the first for me after it happened was heartbreaking.
One of my sons was a big movie goer and almost went there that night but when a couple of friends decided not to go, the plans were just canceled (he didn't drive at the time so he had to rely on his friends with cars). I thank god that he didn't go. It's crazy to think that these days you can't go anywhere without some kind of worry if someone is going to shoot up a place.
I don't know how the 911 operators do it. It must be one of the toughest jobs. To sit there and listen to something being played out and all they can do is try to keep the person on the other end calm while they try to remain calm themselves. It wouldn't surprise me if they need counseling to help get them through the day without being seriously depressed and stressed. No wonder there is a shortage of operators, it takes a certain kind of strength to have to deal with that. It doesn't include the ones who call for no reason, who are drunk and when someone decided to be an ass to them. The operators don't get enough credit and recognition that they deserve.
I'm sure I will listen to other 911 calls and continue to ask myself why. I guess it can't help put things in perspective when listening to them. We should always be thankful for what we have, treat each other with respect and tell someone that you love them because you just never know when tragedy will strike.
