911 operator lauded for lifesaving efforts (Cayman Islands)

911 operator lauded for lifesaving efforts (Cayman Islands)

by | May 13, 2021 | Comm Center News

During her 17 years at the Department of Public Safety Communications, Chelsea Blake has handled various roles, but her recent efforts to talk an injured man through driving himself to the hospital, earned her unprecedented judicial praise.

“My team and I, we’ve heard it all,” said Blake. “We have delivered babies over that phone, restarted hearts over that phone, we are the first of the first responders.”

Her diligent and professional work caught the eye of acting Grand Court Justice Roger Chapple, who, while returning a verdict in a wounding case, commended Blake for her exceptional service…

Chelsea Blake said she is appreciative for the recognition of her work as a 911 operator. Photo Taneos Ramsay.

Fire District 3 works with excess 9-1-1 caller (WA)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Paramedics and firefighters with Clallam County Fire District 3 continue to work with a frequent caller and a few other Sequim area residents for abusing 9-1-1 for non-emergency incidents.

Assistant Fire Chief Dan Orr said in a phone interview that one unnamed man who lives on the 1000 block of Old Olympic Highway has called for aid assistance about 140 times since January for non-emergency reasons.

“It’s gotten worse; he called that much for all of 2020,” Orr said… READ MORE

Downsize SPD? Seattle debates new Community Safety and Communications Center to move 911 and parking enforcement operations out of Seattle Police (WA)

Downsize SPD? Seattle debates new Community Safety and Communications Center to move 911 and parking enforcement operations out of Seattle Police (WA)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

A Seattle City Council committee will look to take a step Tuesday toward making good on moves made last year to move operations out of the police department after mass protests in the city called for a vast defunding of law enforcement.

The city’s 2021 budget brought a cut of about a fifth of Seattle’s more than $400 million annual outlay in police spending along with changes to reduce the size and power of the department by moving 911 and traffic enforcement operations outside of the Seattle Police Department and spending more money on social, community, and BIPOC services and programs…

 

Dickinson Co. Supervisors Approve Funding Request For Communications Center Radio Consoles Upgrade (IA)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Spirit Lake)– A major upgrade of the Dickinson County Communications Center remains on track for later this year. The county’s 911 Board recently awarded a bid of $377,703 for new radio consoles for the center. That commission has agreed to cover $200,000 of the cost. The Board of Supervisors today (Tues.) voted unanimously for the county to cover the remaining $177,703.

Painting and new carpet will be part of the project, along with adding a fourth work station. Mike Ehret, the county’s 911/Emergency Management Coordinator, told the supervisors the 911 Board has also awarded a bid of nearly $102,000 for new furniture for the Communications Center… READ MORE

Racine County launches Text-to-911 service (WI)

Racine County launches Text-to-911 service (WI)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Racine County is launching a new Text-to-911 service for residents who are unable to call 911 during an emergency.

Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave announced the launch on Tuesday.

“Safety is our highest priority, and this is a great public safety enhancement for Racine County. Text-to-911 gives residents facing an emergency another way to contact 911 dispatchers and get help,” Delagrave said. “We encourage residents experiencing an emergency to continue contacting the Racine County Communications Center by phone, but if you are unable to call, text 911.”

The county says residents should try to do voice calls whenever possible, but if they cannot, text 911…

Escambia County EMS suffering from staffing shortages, sometimes forced to ‘hold calls’ (FL)

Escambia County EMS suffering from staffing shortages, sometimes forced to ‘hold calls’ (FL)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Calls to Escambia County Emergency Medical Services have increased during the past year, and on Sunday night, a text to EMS staff seeking relief crews noted the department was “beyond critical staffing levels” for the night, forcing supervisors to run calls.

Interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore said the situation Sunday was caused by a combination of issues, including the shift being short-staffed after some call-ins and an entire ambulance crew having to remain on scene while Escambia County Fire Rescue fought a fire at Ascend Performance Materials.

A situation where there aren’t enough EMS crews in trucks can lead to a “10-75” in which the county dispatch holds calls. Gilmore said when the county holds calls, it prioritizes sending ambulances, referred to as “boxes,” to the most critical calls first…