# AI suggests texting 911 in the US for a medical emergency, ignoring that TTY/TDD and real-time text are the correct accessible options

- **ID:** `emergency/ai-suggests-texting-911-when-disabled`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `E911-ACCESS-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

The AI incorrectly generalizes that texting 911 is universally available and accessible, whereas many US PSAPs do not support SMS for emergencies; the FCC mandates TTY/TDD and RTT (Real-Time Text) as the standard accessible channels for deaf/hard-of-hearing callers.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| FCC RTT Mandate 2023 | active | — | — |
| NG911 Phase 1 | active | — | — |
| iOS 17 RTT | active | — | — |
| Android 14 RTT | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Use the built-in RTT (Real-Time Text) feature on iOS: Settings > Accessibility > RTT > enable 'Software RTT' and dial 911. On Android: Phone app > Settings > Accessibility > RTT > select 'Visible during call' and dial 911.** (90% success)
   ```
   Use the built-in RTT (Real-Time Text) feature on iOS: Settings > Accessibility > RTT > enable 'Software RTT' and dial 911. On Android: Phone app > Settings > Accessibility > RTT > select 'Visible during call' and dial 911.
   ```
2. **If RTT is not available, use TTY/TDD by connecting a TTY device via the headphone jack, or use the TTY software mode on iPhone (Settings > Phone > TTY).** (75% success)
   ```
   If RTT is not available, use TTY/TDD by connecting a TTY device via the headphone jack, or use the TTY software mode on iPhone (Settings > Phone > TTY).
   ```
3. **Register for local PSAP SMS-to-911 support by checking with your carrier and local emergency management office; keep a backup plan like a pre-written script for a hearing person to call on your behalf.** (65% success)
   ```
   Register for local PSAP SMS-to-911 support by checking with your carrier and local emergency management office; keep a backup plan like a pre-written script for a hearing person to call on your behalf.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Advise user to enable 'Text to 911' in phone settings** — Not all carriers or regions support SMS-to-911; enabling the setting does not guarantee delivery to the correct PSAP. (70% fail)
- **Suggest using a third-party relay service app for emergency texting** — Third-party apps may have latency or routing issues; official RTT is built into the OS dialer and should be used instead. (85% fail)
- **Tell user to call 911 and then switch to text if unable to speak** — If the user cannot speak due to disability, calling first may be impossible; RTT allows simultaneous voice and text. (60% fail)