Blogs

How NG911 Standards and Technology Make the System Superior to E911

May 30, 2023

The world of public safety and emergency response has undergone significant changes over the last several decades. One of the most significant changes is the transition from E911 to NG911.  While E911 has been used for decades to provide emergency r...
The world of public safety and emergency response has undergone significant changes over the last several decades. One of the most significant changes is the transition from E911 to NG911.  While E911 has been used for decades to provide emergency resources for individuals in need, the introduction of NG911 standards and technology makes this system superior to its predecessor.  In this blog from NGA, we'll explore the differences between the two systems and explain how NG911 standards an...
How NG911 ESInet Makes PSAPs More Resilient and Effective

May 16, 2023

In the past decade, there has been a significant shift in public safety communications. Legacy 9-1-1 systems cannot support current technological infrastructures, and there is a universal need to upgrade emergency services.  Many states and jurisdic...
In the past decade, there has been a significant shift in public safety communications. Legacy 9-1-1 systems cannot support current technological infrastructures, and there is a universal need to upgrade emergency services.  Many states and jurisdictions have changed traditional methods of communication by adopting NG911 (Next Generation 911), an Internet Protocol (IP) based system. A significant component of NG911 is the Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet), connecting Public Safety Access P...
AWS Cloud Computing for NG911: Revolutionizing Public Safety

May 05, 2023

The world is constantly changing, and so are the threats to public safety. Every year, first responders and emergency services personnel face new challenges and demands in their work to protect and serve our communities.  And with the rise of...
The world is constantly changing, and so are the threats to public safety. Every year, first responders and emergency services personnel face new challenges and demands in their work to protect and serve our communities.  And with the rise of digital communication, public safety agencies need up-to-date tools to handle this increased workload. This is where cloud computing, specifically, Amazon Web Services (AWS), comes into play.  In this blog from NGA, we will discuss how AWS clo...
How The Reclassification of 911 Call Takers to First Responders and Better Benefits Can Attract People to The Career

Apr 12, 2023

The “first responder” title is synonymous with police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, but what about 9-1-1 call takers? With the reclassification of 9-1-1 call takers as first responders, the change can also mean significant benefits for the...
The “first responder” title is synonymous with police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, but what about 9-1-1 call takers? With the reclassification of 9-1-1 call takers as first responders, the change can also mean significant benefits for the public safety industry.  To help celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, our team at NGA will dive into how the reclassification of 911 call takers to first responders can attract more people to this career. Table of Contents:...
The Reclassification of 911 Call Takers: How it Can Offer Better Retirement Plan Options and Provide More Positive Stability

Apr 11, 2023

As the first point of contact in emergencies, 9-1-1 call takers ensure that critical information is relayed promptly, allowing first responders to act quickly and save lives. On a state-by-state basis 9-1-1 call takers are being reclassified as first...
As the first point of contact in emergencies, 9-1-1 call takers ensure that critical information is relayed promptly, allowing first responders to act quickly and save lives. On a state-by-state basis 9-1-1 call takers are being reclassified as first responders. However, not the federal level at this time. This would come with significant advantages: access to better retirement plan options and financial stability. However, the importance of this recognition goes beyond access to retirement p...
The Reclassification of 911 Call Takers as First Responders Part 1 of 3: A Step Towards Better Mental Health Resources and Retention

Apr 07, 2023

9-1-1 call takers are not perceived as first responders at the federal level. Despite their vital role in emergency situations, they are classified in the same category as office clerks and administrative assistants.  Now, these essential emergency...
9-1-1 call takers are not perceived as first responders at the federal level. Despite their vital role in emergency situations, they are classified in the same category as office clerks and administrative assistants.  Now, these essential emergency telecommunicators are finally being recognized as first responders in some states. This is a huge development in the public safety industry and has the potential to bring significant positive changes for our country’s emergency response professionals...
Understanding Why 911 Training is So Important for Public Safety Communicators

Mar 30, 2023

Public safety is a vital aspect of any community. Various professionals are responsible for ensuring that the public remains safe and secure.  One of the most important jobs in this field is that of a public safety communicator or a 9-1-1 oper...
Public safety is a vital aspect of any community. Various professionals are responsible for ensuring that the public remains safe and secure.  One of the most important jobs in this field is that of a public safety communicator or a 9-1-1 operator. These professionals are responsible for taking calls from the public and dispatching the appropriate responders to the scene of an emergency. The quality of their training and experience can mean the difference between lives saved and tragedy i...
911 PSAPs: A Look Into the First Responders Behind Emergency Response

Mar 22, 2023

Every day, over a half a million of people across the United States dial 911 when an emergency strikes. But most may not think about who answers the call or what happens after they hang up. Behind every emergency call is a team of dedicated professio...
Every day, over a half a million of people across the United States dial 911 when an emergency strikes. But most may not think about who answers the call or what happens after they hang up. Behind every emergency call is a team of dedicated professionals who ensure that help arrives quickly. This team includes public safety answering points (PSAPs), dispatchers, and first responders who work together to provide life-saving assistance in times of need.  In this blog from NGA, we’ll discuss...
NENA 9-1-1: How NENA’s Release Guide to Handling Text-to-911 in the PSAP Can Help First Responders

Mar 06, 2023

As the need for modern emergency services continues to grow, so does the demand for more efficient and accurate emergency response. NENA’s Release Guide to Handling Text-to-911 in the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is an essential tool in achie...
As the need for modern emergency services continues to grow, so does the demand for more efficient and accurate emergency response. NENA’s Release Guide to Handling Text-to-911 in the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is an essential tool in achieving this goal.  This guide provides vital information and suggestions on how best to handle text messages sent by individuals in need during an emergency. It outlines best practices for PSAPs, and how first responders and dispatchers should respond...
How NG911 PSAPs Are Helping Streamline Dispatchable Locations

Feb 27, 2023

For Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), the importance of obtaining the accurate location of every 9-1-1 caller cannot be underestimated. Knowing where individuals needing emergency assistance are located is vital for dispatchers to deploy the ap...
For Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), the importance of obtaining the accurate location of every 9-1-1 caller cannot be underestimated. Knowing where individuals needing emergency assistance are located is vital for dispatchers to deploy the appropriate responders and resources with minimal delay. The introduction of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) has made this process easier than ever before.  In this blog from NGA, our NG911 experts and trusted providers will discuss how NG911 PSAP...