Much of the news on the pandemic’s effect on local essential services has understandably centered around understaffed hospitals. But in an alarming item from CBS3 Philly, Alicia Roberts reported that Bucks County’s 911 call center also has a disconcerting number of vacancies.

The county’s capacity to field emergency calls is currently only 80 percent of what it should be. In starker terms, one in five call center positions currently have no one to pick up a 911 plea for help.

John Geib, Bucks County Director of Emergency Communications, says it’s a national concern that’s been brewing for years. Data show that half the call center positions across the U.S. are currently vacant.

It’s a tough job that mimics a healthcare career in its requirement for specific skills, long hours, and an ability to handle burnout.

An average day brings more than 1,500 calls for help. On an atypical day, such as during last July’s tornado, calls can leap by 700 percent. And the workload can be grueling: 12-hour shifts over nights, weekends, and holidays.

Despite the thin resources, Bucks County emergency responders have deployed various workarounds to keep residents safe.

“There’s always a plan A, B, and C,” Geib said. “That’s our normal course of business.”

Details are available for residents possibly interested in this challenging career, and the full story on the openings is at CBS3 Philly .