What must a telecommunicator consider a silent, open-line call?

A silent, open-line call should be considered a potential TTY call because these types of calls may indicate that the caller is in a situation where they cannot speak but may require assistance. TTY (Teletypewriter) calls are used by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and communicate via text rather than voice. If a telecommunicator receives a silent call, it is crucial to recognize the possibility that the caller is attempting to signal for help without the ability to verbally communicate.

By treating these calls with the assumption that they could be emergency situations, telecommunicators ensure that they are prepared to respond appropriately and can initiate protocols that could lead to assistance for the caller. This approach emphasizes the importance of caution and care, as well as the responsibility of telecommunicators to protect those who may be in vulnerable situations.