NG911 for Modern Public Safety: Top Safety 911 Tips for Emergency Callers in the Digital Age

How we call for help is no longer limited to voice calls in today’s day and age. Thanks to unparalleled advancements like NG911 (Next Generation 911), emergency response systems are now equipped to handle live responses from 911 callers in various forms of communication. While Next Generation 911 is designed to improve response times and save more lives, with this technological leap comes a new responsibility: knowing how to utilize these tools effectively in moments of crisis.  

In this blog from NGA, we’ll explore how Next Generation 911 is revolutionizing modern public safety—and what you can do to better prepare. 

Table of Contents:

1. NG911: An Overview 
2. Understanding Next Generation 911 Benefits and Impact 
3. Top Safety 911 Tips for Emergency Callers in the Digital Age 
4. What Emergency Personnel and PSAPs Can Do to Further Assist Callers
5. Teaching Your Loved Ones About NG911
6. Conclusion 

NG911: An Overview 

NG911, or Next Generation 911, is the modernized upgrade to the traditional 911 system, created to improve how 911 calls are received and handled in today’s digitized world. Unlike traditional legacy systems that solely run on voice calls, Next Generation 911 runs on secure and connected IP, cloud-based networks, enabling the transmission of multimedia communication from emergency callers to dispatchers. 

With NG911, the following forms of multimedia communication are supported:

• Live videos and photos
• Real-time text messages
• Instant medical information 

Understanding Next Generation 911 Benefits and Impact 

The versatile communication of NG911 allows individuals in need to connect with emergency personnel when speaking isn’t possible or safe. NG911’s innovative infrastructure allows dispatchers to pinpoint a caller’s precise location using cutting-edge GPS and GIS technology—even when a caller doesn’t know where they are. 

The powerful multimedia capabilities of Next Generation 911 also help promote better situational awareness, giving first responders a clearer picture of what’s happening during an emergency before they arrive on the scene. 

With all these features and more, NG911 significantly enhances the accuracy, speed, and effectiveness of emergency response. The infrastructure signifies an essential step forward in merging public safety services with how we use technology today. 

Top Safety 911 Tips for Emergency Callers in the Digital Age 

As NG911 becomes more accessible throughout the country, knowing how to use its features can make all the difference during emergencies. While dialing 9-1-1 is still the best option in most cases, modern features like live text messaging, video streaming, and location sharing and tracking provide more ways for callers to get help. Understanding when and how to use these vital capabilities helps ensure a faster and more precise response. 

Here are some top tips to follow when using 911: 

1. Know When to Call vs. Text: Call if you can, text if you can’t. Voice calls still allow for quick communication and location tracking. Use text-to-911 when it's not safe to speak or if you have a speech or hearing disability.
2. Prepare Your Phone Before You Need It: Allow for location services on your smartphone. Keep your phone charged—even more so during high-risk events or storms. Store In Case of Emergency contacts in your device.
3. What to Include in a 911 Text or Video: Your location (include landmarks if GPS isn’t working), the nature of the emergency taking place, descriptions of people, threats, or vehicles. If texting, use clear, brief statements.
4. Don’t Hang Up or Leave the Chat: Even if the situation changes, stay connected until told to disconnect. Dispatchers may need to clarify details or keep you on the line for safety.

What Emergency Personnel and PSAPs Can Do to Further Assist Callers

Next Generation 911 doesn’t just benefit the public. The system helps boost emergency personnel and PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points) to utilize the tools at their disposal and make smarter decisions under pressure. 

Here’s how public safety agencies and professionals can further assist 911 callers: 

• Invest in Ongoing Training: PSAP staff should be fully trained in handling video, text, and multimedia emergencies while maintaining composure under different types of stress.
• Improve Multilingual Support: As Next Generation 911 allows text and media, integrating AI-driven translation services can help overcome language barriers in an instant.
• Leverage AI for Call Triage: Dispatchers can use AI (artificial intelligence) filters to prioritize life-threatening calls more efficiently when multimedia content is received.
• Conduct Public Education Campaigns: PSAPs should take the lead in educating communities on how and when to use NG911 features through schools, social media, and local events.
• Implement Wellness Programs for Dispatchers: With new technologies come new stressors. Supporting dispatcher mental health ensures better service to the public in high-pressure situations.

Teaching Your Loved Ones About NG911

Preparing your loved ones for 911 safety and how to use updated emergency systems can help them stay safe when the unexpected happens. With new communication options like text and video, it’s vital that everyone understands how and when to use these innovative tools. 

Below are a few things you can do to help. 

1. Show and teach children how to use text-to-911.
2. Make sure teens know what information to send to emergency personnel in a crisis.
3. Help older adults set up emergency contacts and enable location settings.
4. Run family emergency drills that include digital communication methods.

Conclusion 

One of the primary reasons for creating Next Generation 911 is to help the public stay safe in a connected world. As such, the system is a transformative tool for public safety—especially when used wisely. Whether you’re a parent teaching your children about 911 safety or an emergency dispatcher managing incoming calls, the future of public safety begins with preparation. 

Want to learn more? Connect with our NGA team today to get started!