Years after ill-fated call, L.A. Fire Department's 911 flaws remain

It was 25 years ago when Ziporah Lam's family frantically called 911 over and over, telling Fire Department dispatchers that the Chatsworth mother was in pain, with tingling arms and hands. Dispatchers variously diagnosed her ailment as the flu, food poisoning or an anxiety attack — and did not send help.

By Ben Welsh, Kate Linthicum and Robert J. Lopez

October 5, 2012