NG9-1-1: What Is It & What To Know

The 9-1-1 system has been a success story since its first introduction in the U.S. in the late 1960s. However, advancements in modern communications technology create the need for updated emergency response systems now more than ever. Thankfully, this is where NG9-1-1 comes in!

NG9-1-1, also known as Next Generation 911, is the next step in the evolution of emergency and public safety services. This system was developed with the purpose of replacing traditional 911 systems and providing instant communication to both public safety dispatchers and the public.

At NGA 911, we are proud to provide reliable, Cloud-based Next Generation 911 services nationwide and across the globe. We also believe in being your trusted resource for all things NG9-1-1!

In this blog, our experts at NGA 911 will cover:

What NG9-1-1 is
How NG9-1-1 works
Why Next Generation 911 is important

And much more!

What is NG9-1-1 Exactly?

Next Generation 911 is a nationwide, internet protocol (IP)-based emergency communications system. It's designed to allow communication between the 9-1-1 caller, the 9-1-1 center, and first responders in the field through various forms of multimedia.

Those in need of emergency assistance will now be able to send videos, photos, and other forms of broadband information to 9-1-1 professionals.

Examples of this can include:

Sending text messages regarding medical information or an emergency incident
Sending photos of a fleeing suspect or accident damage
Streaming videos of an emergency

All of which can significantly aid 9-1-1 operators and other public safety professionals in assisting callers or speaking with first responders and incident leaders.

Additionally, when a reliable, adaptable, and secure NG9-1-1 system is put in place, public safety answer points (PSAPs) have access to advanced tools. This allows for more efficient and effective emergency response between 9-1-1 professionals nationwide.

How Does The Next Generation 911 System Work?

The NG9-1-1 system contains four main building blocks

These include:

ESInet (Emergency Services IP Network)
Next-Generation Core Services (NGCS)
NG9-1-1 call-taking equipment
Geographic Information System (GIS)

The ESInet is the network that delivers emergency calls to the emergency call centers (ECCs) and public safety answer points (PSAPs). It also connects them to each other. The Next Generation Core Services (NGCS) is the database and software necessary to route 9-1-1 calls on the Emergency Services IP Network.

NG911 call-taking equipment is also known as Customer Premise Equipment, Call-Processing Equipment (CPE), Call-Handling Solutions (CHS), or Call-Handling Equipment (CHE).

It provides the tools for emergency telecommunicators to receive, process, and dispatch 911 calls. And the Geographic Information System (GIS) uses location information to transfer 9-1-1 calls and help emergency responders locate callers.

As soon as these building blocks are in place, new technology can add functions and data from a wider range of sources beyond phones.

These can include:

Computers
Smart Sensors
Alarm Systems
Vehicle Telematics
Smart Speakers
Medical Devices

And more.

The need for more safety and better technology is changing so rapidly that public safety personnel need to keep up. Thankfully, the NG9-1-1 system can help!

With this infrastructure, emergency professionals can better deliver, process, and store data to integrate future technologies designed to save more lives.

Is NG9-1-1 Really Necessary?

Most emergency calls made to ECCs and PSAPs are wireless. Just as most Americans have moved to smartphones, the public safety industry must also adapt to new communication tools to best serve the public.

Although the legacy 9-1-1 system served the nation well for decades, there's only so much it can do as is. Traditional 9-1-1 networks are unable to use modern technologies to bring greater accuracy, speed, and efficiency when responding to emergency help.

With NG9-1-1 systems, emergency call centers, public safety professionals, and first responders will be able to do things never thought possible until now.

For example, working alongside:

Other Public Safety Officials
Healthcare Professionals
Government Services
Neighboring Jurisdiction Personnel

Best of all, those in the public safety industry will be able to transfer valuable data in real-time. Thus, allowing call centers and dispatchers to send the right resources to the right location as soon as possible.

4 Reasons Implementing Next Generation 9-1-1 Matters

At its core, NG9-1-1 creates a powerful and consistent infrastructure that delivers emergency service today and well into the future. As such, the many benefits of implementing a Next Generation 911 system are clear.

Accelerating the implementation of NG9-1-1 can:

Increase adaptability and compatibility with evolving communication trends
Boost the reliability and flexibility of the 9-1-1 system
Enhance emergency response for public safety and emergency responders
Reduce 9-1-1 system operating costs

The fact is; most of the public expects emergency calls to support text messages, videos, and other popular forms of communication. With NGA 911's Next Generation 911 Cloud-based system, responders can help improve the public's access to emergency services.

How Soon Will NG9-1-1 Be In My Community?

Transitioning emergency call centers and other public safety personnel to Next Generation 911 varies across the nation.

Once started, implementation usually takes around 9 to 12 months.

States, counties, cities, and local authorities are determining how to start or complete the switch from traditional emergency systems.

In a national NG9-1-1 report from 2020, as many as 33 states have adopted a statewide Next Generation 911 plan!

Conclusion

The Next Generation 911 system is much more than an infrastructure that allows the sending of texts and videos from someone in distress. The bottom line is; it will significantly improve how all emergency responders serve the public.

What does this mean for your community?

The NG9-1-1 system means 911 calls are answered faster, with more data available to your dispatchers and first responders.

This equals out a greater number of people in contact with public safety officials and fewer missed opportunities when someone is in distress. And as we've seen in recent events, this can make all the difference!

To learn more or get started, contact our Next Generation experts at NGA 911 today!