Patent ID: 8224360

Claim:
A system for handling 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 and receive an extant call placed from said calling instrument in said text messaging call format using a special number via a first communication channel; said at least one selected message handling unit establishing a second communication channel with said calling unit for supporting text messaging communications; said plurality of message handling units cooperating to effect querying said at least one communication network to ascertain a geographic location of said calling instrument substantially contemporaneously with said extant call; and said plurality of message handling units cooperating to use said geographic location for routing said extant call to at least one selected special number answering station coupled with said at least one communication network and situated generally proximate with said geographic location; said at least one selected special number answering station cooperating with said plurality of message handling units to establish two-way chat session communications between said calling instrument and said at least one selected special number answering station in said text messaging call format using said first communication channel and said second communication channel.