Next Generation 911 Technology and Its Importance for Emergency Dispatchers

NG9-1-1 is revolutionizing the public safety landscape as we know it. With emergency callers being more mobile now than ever before, dispatchers equipped with

outdated 911 systems are unable to meet the demands of today’s digital society.

As the first line of communication during an emergency, switching to updated infrastructures with Next Generation 911 technology is essential for dispatchers to provide quick and effective response services to every American community.

In this blog post, trusted NG911 providers and experts at NGA will discuss:

What the Next Generation 911 system is
Why the current 911 infrastructure isn’t working
Why NG911 is so important for emergency dispatchers
How Next Generation 911 technology can bridge the gaps in emergency response

Table of Contents:

What is the Next Generation 911 System?
How the NG911 Infrastructure Works
Why the Current 911 System Isn't Working
Understanding Why Next Generation 911 Technology is so Important for Emergency Responders
Closing The Gaps in Emergency Response with Next Generation 911
Conclusion

People Also Ask:

What are the modern next generation needs of 911 systems?

The Next Generation 911 infrastructure is designed to receive and support real-time text messages, videos, photos, and more. The NG911 system is based on IP (internet protocol) and cloud-based platforms that allow for connection between many private and public networks.

When was NG911 created?

NG911 started in 2007 when local governments and public safety officials saw that the US needed a 911 system that could keep up with and go beyond upcoming communication technology growth.

Is 911 federally funded?

Many federal organizations, such as the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. The Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, and Department of Health & Human Services offer funding for applicable emergency response projects, including Next Generation 911 implementation.

What is the Next Generation 911 System?

The Next Generation 911 system, or NG911, is an upgrade to the current 911 system that supports digital technology. The NG911 infrastructure is entirely digital, operating on Internet Protocol (IP) networks based on the cloud.

Because Next Generation 911 technology is digital, it can support multimedia data sharing and send this vital information to emergency dispatchers in real-time.

The types of media the NG911 upgrade supports include:

Real-time text messaging
Voice messaging
Voice-to-text messaging
Live video streaming
Photo sharing

The NG911 initiative is a joint effort between the federal government, state governments, and local municipalities. The goal of NG911 is to improve the safety of the public by providing a more effective and efficient emergency communications system. NG911 also represents the initiative to modernize the 911 emergency communications systems across the United States.

How the NG911 Infrastructure Works

When an individual calls 911, the call is routed to the appropriate call center based on the caller's exact location. This advanced emergency call routing is made possible by the Geospatial and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provided by Next Generation 911 technology. Because the Next Generation 911 system runs on secure, interconnected digital networks, it can provide more efficient and effective emergency communications.

Additionally, NG911 was designed to work with new technologies, such as

text messaging and video calling. The innovative solutions and technologies of the NG911 infrastructure are essential for keeping dispatchers proactive and communities safer even in the face of power outages, natural disasters, and pandemics.

As a result, Next Generation 911 has the potential to save more lives by making emergency services more accessible and reliable.

Why the Current 911 System Isn't Working

The current 911 system was designed in the 1960s and upgraded in the 1980s. It was created to address the needs of that time, but the emergency response needs of today's world are very different.

The current 911 system is based on landlines, which are not as prevalent as they once were, as most people now use smartphones and other devices to communicate. And 911 call centers still using outdated systems find it difficult to pinpoint a caller's exact location. This can lead to delays in response time, which can be critical in an emergency.

As is, the current 911 system is not equipped to handle large-scale emergencies. For example, if there were a significant earthquake, the system would likely be overwhelmed with incoming distress calls and unable to provide adequate support.

Fortunately, active measures, like the NG911 initiative, are being put in place to upgrade and improve the current 911 infrastructure. By transitioning to the Next Generation 911 and its technology, the public safety industry can help ensure that people who need emergency assistance can get the help they need – when they need it most.

Understanding Why Next Generation 911 Technology is so Important for Emergency Responders

When it comes to emergency response, time is of the essence. This is one of the many reasons Next Generation 911 technology is vital for emergency responders.

By harnessing the power of this cutting-edge technology, dispatchers can accurately assess a caller's needs and deploy the proper resources. At the same time, first responders can get to an accident or incident scene faster and with greater precision.

But that's not all! NG911 technology also improves communication between emergency responders and dispatchers. In most cases, dispatch centers can now provide real-time updates to responding units, allowing them to make better decisions in the field.

Call center upgrading Next Generation 911 also means that individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments will have more access to emergency response than ever before. Because 911 callers can communicate with dispatchers via text, videos, and photos, NG911 will also help those in a situation where it is not safe to make a voice call, such as during a home invasion or active shooter situation.

Closing The Gaps in Emergency Response with Next Generation 911

In the United States, the 911 emergency response system is the lifeline for millions who rely on it for help in times of need. Unfortunately, the system is outdated and in need of modernization.

One way to close the gaps in emergency response is to implement Next Generation 911. The NG911 system is scalable and can be customized to meet the needs of each community. It also offers enhanced features that help dispatchers provide more accurate information to responders.

In addition, NG911 is interoperable, meaning it can work with existing systems and infrastructure. Implementing NG911 is vital in closing the gaps in emergency response and ensuring that all communities receive the help they need when it matters most.

Conclusion

Next Generation 911 technology is the future of emergency dispatch, and we must make the switch as a nation. With so many benefits, there's no reason not to upgrade.

As the backbone of our 911 system, emergency dispatchers deserve the best tools available to them.

Are you ready to deploy Next Generation 911 for your emergency call center?

Connect with our experts at NGA to get started today!