by ECC Editor | Sep 27, 2021 | Comm Center News
ARDMORE, Okla. (KXII) – > Thanks to the invention of cell phones a 9-1-1 call can be placed practically anywhere. But as that technology has advanced and made contact emergency services easier, it has created an unexpected technical issue.
According to Oklahoma State 9-1-1 coordinator Lance Terry, cell phones have been a huge help for dispatchers.
But as new advantages have arrived, issues have come with them.
“Now we get 50 9-1-1 calls from one accident scene which is great because we can pinpoint it and get closer to it,” Terry said. “The problem is that over the last 10 years we’ve had a real problem with accidental 911 calls.” … READ MORE
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 27, 2021 | Comm Center News
TEXARKANA — The purchase of a new dispatch, records and jail management computer systems for the Bi-State Justice Building should streamline information for law enforcement.
Both Texarkanas and Bowie County are buying the system jointly. The goal is to integrate functions among police and the Sheriff’s Office in the Bi-state Justice Building.
The Texas-side agencies have used one system, Texarkana Arkansas Police Department uses another, and all systems in use are nearing or beyond their expected functional lifespans, said Doug Avery with the TAPD’s Central Records and Communications Department…
by ECC Editor | Sep 27, 2021 | Comm Center News
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — On Saturday, Portsmouth announced that the Emergency Communications Center is set to launch the Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) program on September 30.
EMD is a nationally recognized protocol for emergency dispatchers that is meant to identify life-threatening situations and safely prioritize calls. The program follows nationwide standards and research-based protocols.
Officials say 911 callers can expect dispatchers to ask several questions about the patient meant to dispatch the appropriate level of care, as well as provide the caller with emergency medical instructions… READ MORE
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 26, 2021 | Comm Center News
Austin Police Department officials are finalizing plans to dispatch civilians instead of police officers to certain types of calls that do not involve emergencies as a way to maximize patrol staffing and respond to reformers’ demands for change.
Interim Police Chief Joe Chacon hinted at his plan Wednesday during an announcement that he would step into the job permanently, pending City Council confirmation Thursday.
On Friday, the department released more information about the plan, which is likely to be announced this week.
“The Austin Police Department regularly reviews response policies and procedures to ensure APD prioritizes calls with an immediate threat to life or property over non-emergency calls for service,” the department said in a statement. “As a result of a recent review … recent staffing challenges and aligning with the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force patrol response recommendations, APD will change call routing and response for non-emergency calls for service effective Oct. 1…
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 26, 2021 | Comm Center News
The Albany Firefighters’ Union is once again raising the alarm over staffing levels at the city’s dispatch center.
According to the union, just four dispatchers were working Saturday night.
Those four had to handle 911 calls, not just for fire, but for police and EMS as well.
In addition to taking emergency calls, dispatchers also handle non-emergency calls and send out emergency notifications, like the ones you get during a major storm…
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 26, 2021 | Comm Center News
By Rachel Engel
DURHAM, N.C. — Dozens of complaints by public safety agencies against Durham’s 911 center were revealed in a recent public records request.
A months-long investigation by CBS 17 revealed the depth of the emergency call center’s staffing shortages, which revealed nearly 60 complaints by the Durham Fire Department and EMS. The grievances included delays, wrong addresses, wrong responses, and confrontations by residents who stopped by the fire station after they were unable to reach 911.
In a statement, the city acknowledged the missteps, and laid out its plan for addressing them…
