Patent ID: 8190179

Claim:
A system for treating special number calls placed from a calling instrument using a text messaging format; the system comprising: a plurality of message handling units configured in at least one communication network accessible by said calling instrument; at least one selected message handling unit of said plurality of message handling units operating to recognize an extant call placed using a special number from said calling instrument via a first communication channel in said text messaging format; said plurality of message handling units cooperating to effect conveying a communication to said calling instrument via a second communication channel in said text messaging format in response to receiving said extant call substantially when said extant call is detected; said response communication alerting a user of said calling instrument to expect a return communication via a voice communication channel and asking said user of said calling instrument to answer said return communication; said plurality of message handling units cooperating to effect conveying said return communication to said calling instrument via a third voice-capable communication channel supporting at least one locating function; and said calling instrument employing said at least one locating function substantially when said return communication is answered by said user of said calling instrument to provide a substantially pinpoint geographic location of said calling instrument to at least one receiving message handling unit of said plurality of message handling units via said third communication channel.