A change to how Seattle handles 911 calls has some major gaps episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 9, 2026 · 14 MIN

A change to how Seattle handles 911 calls has some major gaps

from Seattle Now · host KUOW News and Information

In 2022, the city of Seattle began sending less-urgent 911 callers to speak with nurse navigators who decide the next steps.  The city says it’s going well and reduces strain on emergency rooms and ambulances. Now, a wrongful death lawsuit is raising concerns about response times.  Seattle Times reporter Daniel Beekman’s been investigating. He'll talk about what he found. Read more here. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 9, 2026

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In 2022, the city of Seattle began sending less-urgent 911 callers to speak with nurse navigators who decide the next steps. The city says it’s going well and reduces strain on emergency rooms and ambulances. Now, a wrongful death lawsuit is raising concerns about response times. Seattle Times reporter Daniel Beekman’s been investigating. He'll talk about what he found.

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A change to how Seattle handles 911 calls has some major gaps

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