During an emergency, the accuracy and speed of a call make all the difference when every second counts. That’s why the transition to NG911 (Next Generation 911) is one of the most vital upgrades in public safety communications. Next Generation 911 isn’t just about updating current emergency systems; it’s a complete transformation of how 911 calls are received and processed and how 911 resources and personnel are dispatched.

In this blog from NGA, we’ll discuss how NG911 enhances emergency response times and location accuracy, backing up this information with real-world case studies from public safety agencies already seeing results.

Table of Contents:

Defining Next Generation 911 and Why It Matters
NG911’s Impact on Emergency Response Times
Case Study: Iowa’s Next Generation 911 Implementation
Improving Location Accuracy with NG911
Case Study: Durham, NC
Additional Case Studies and Results
Los Angeles County, CA
Rural Washington County, OR
Challenges to Adoption and The Future of Next Generation 911
Conclusion

Defining Next Generation 911 and Why It Matters

NG911 is more than a completely modernized emergency telecommunications system. It’s also a nationwide initiative to replace the outdated, analog 911 systems of the past with updated, IP and cloud-based infrastructure. Next Generation 911’s capabilities allow for faster response times and more precise location tracking, two of the most critical factors for better emergency outcomes.

NG911 supports:

Advanced GIS and Geospatial location services
Real-time text messages, photos, and video streaming
More accurate and faster 911 call routing
Seamless interoperability across public safety agencies

NG911’s Impact on Emergency Response Times

One immediate benefit of Next Generation 911 is its ability to reduce dispatch and call transfer delays. 911 calls are routed based on accurate location data instead of static address databases, making sure the right public safety agency receives the call the first time.

Case Study: Iowa’s Next Generation 911 Implementation

The statewide rollout of NG911 in Iowa resulted in a 20% reduction in call transfer times, thanks to the system’s innovative geospatial routing. This means fewer seconds are lost during the process of identifying the right PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) to handle an emergency call.

Essential Data:

Legacy routing: 7–10 seconds to route calls.
NG911 routing: 2–3 seconds.
Outcome: Faster emergency call handling and improved responder dispatch speed.

Improving Location Accuracy with NG911

Conventional emergency telecommunications systems rely on the location of cell towers—not the actual device the caller uses. Next Generation 911 integrates live GIS (Geographic Information System) data and can access device-level location services, including Wi-Fi and GPS triangulation.

Case Study: Durham, NC

Durham, North Carolina’s PSAP reported a 35% boost in mobile caller location precision after implementing Next Generation 911, reducing the average search radius from 500 meters to under 100 meters.

Essential Benefit:

First responders could locate non-verbal or injured emergency callers faster, even more so in urban or outdoor areas where accurate location information is vital.

Additional Case Studies and Results

Los Angeles County, CA

LAPD dispatchers could receive text-to-911 messages with vital GPS data with NG911, allowing them to respond to silent domestic violence calls with precision and discretion.

Rural Washington County, OR

Improved call routing for remote locations led to a 9% faster average EMS dispatch.
Integration with neighboring jurisdictions allowed better coordination during wildfires.

Challenges to Adoption and The Future of Next Generation 911

There’s no denying that NG911 is a revolutionary infrastructure that’s already transforming public safety and its services. However, while Next Generation 911 provides significant benefits, some challenges still remain.

These include:

Integration with legacy CAD and RMS systems.
The need for public education and 911 personnel training.
Budget constraints for small jurisdictions.

State and federal funding initiatives, and public-private partnerships are making Next Generation 911 more accessible. The long-term value—measured in reduced response times, saved lives, and better situational awareness—is well worth the investment.

Conclusion

When it comes to Next Generation 911, the data speaks for itself, and the system is reshaping the future of emergency response by delivering measurable improvements in how fast help arrives and how accurately personnel can find those in need. Agencies that have embraced and implemented NG911 are saving seconds and lives.

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

The Impact of NG911 on Emergency Response Times and Accuracy