Life911 helps deputies respond faster, better prepared for emergency calls (FL)

Life911 helps deputies respond faster, better prepared for emergency calls (FL)

by | Feb 23, 2022 | Comm Center News

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — An Indian River County deputy is being praised for saving a man who overdosed on heroin in front of young children.

The rescue is also highlighting a newer tool being used by deputies to help them better prepare for high-stress, emotional calls.

Before deputies used Live911, they could see a 911 call was coming in but they couldn’t hear it. Now, Live911 is a system installed in every patrol car that allows deputies to hear the calls, gauge the emotions and the tension of a potential scene, and respond with a better idea of what they’re heading into…

FirstNet Covers More First Responders Than Any Network

FirstNet Covers More First Responders Than Any Network

by | Feb 23, 2022 | Articles, Comm Center News

How does FirstNet help bridge the digital divide? Over the past 5 years (2017–2021), AT&T’s total investment in the United States, including capital investment and acquisitions of wireless spectrum, was more than $130 billion. And the FirstNet network expansion is one way we are helping ensure all of public safety – and the communities they serve – have access to critical connectivity to help meet the urgent challenges of today and tomorrow.

We already cover more than 99% of the U.S. population today, but FirstNet is built for all public safety. That means every first responder – career or volunteer; federal, tribal, state or local; urban, suburban or rural, and those that support them…

Public-Safety Broadband Network: Congressional Action Required to Ensure Network Continuity

by | Feb 23, 2022 | Articles, Comm Center News

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is responsible for establishing a nationwide public-safety broadband network. GAO identified four key statutory requirements and contract responsibilities currently performed by FirstNet that the Congress should address before FirstNet would sunset in 2027. For example, FirstNet oversees the network contract awarded to AT&T in 2017 (see figure). The current statute does not identify another federal entity to assume oversight when FirstNet sunsets. Without any legislative action, network operations and improvements would be at risk and could result in the loss of service for public-safety users. Another example is FirstNet’s responsibility to collect fees and to reinvest these funds to enhance the network. FirstNet expects to collect and reinvest $18 billion in fees from AT&T over the 25-year duration of the contract with AT&T… READ MORE 

9-1-1 Shared Services Pact Between Caldwell and West Caldwell is Terminated (NJ)

by | Feb 23, 2022 | Comm Center News

CALDWELL, NJ — The Caldwell Borough Council unanimously passed a resolution on Feb. 15 that terminates a shared services agreement with West Caldwell for 911 emergency and non-emergency dispatch services. 

The agreement initially began in 2017 and will terminate effective Dec. 31, 2022. The resolution noted that the borough will “research and consider all options for the provision of such services in the future that will most benefit the residents of the Borough of Caldwell.”

Council president Jeff Gates, under “new business,” addressed the request from the West Essex First Aid Squad for a vehicle to be used by supervisors to respond to calls. The request was for consideration of the borough providing a used vehicle when a new one would be procured by another department…

A look inside Lucas County 911 dispatch (OH)

A look inside Lucas County 911 dispatch (OH)

by | Feb 23, 2022 | Comm Center News

Fire crews were sent to the wrong location a few weeks ago. Here’s how officials are addressing it

More than 1,000 calls come into Lucas County 911 dispatch everyday.

And since a countywide 911 consolidation last fall of those calls now go to a central dispatching center since Lucas County consolidated its eight former regional 911 centers into one unit. 

The consolidation has not been without its issues, including an incident in which crews were mistakenly dispatched to downtown Toledo when they were actually needed in Sylvania to help a woman whose car was on fire… 

Skagit 911 dispatch center to accept texts requesting help starting March 1 (WA)

by | Feb 23, 2022 | Comm Center News

Skagit County will begin accepting text messages to 911 starting March 1. 

Helen Rasmussen, director of Skagit 911, said the upgrade will ensure that those who are hard of hearing or have a speech disorder can contact emergency services without specialized equipment.

Rasmussen also said parts of remote Skagit County have spotty cellphone service and can’t sustain a 911 call, but that it might be possible to send a text.

Texting 911 should be used if calling is difficult or unsafe. In order to help dispatchers understand the extent of the emergency, those texting are asked to use complete words and concise language, according to a news release from Skagit 911…