WAHLBERG OFFERS FOUR OTHER MAJOR TIPS: Implement a governance structure to ensure all stakeholders have a voice Develop standards and conduct training so all PSAPs operate consis- tently Conduct extensive testing before going live with new features Consider interoperability opportu- nities with PSAPs across state borders Together, with North Dakota — which also has a statewide NG911 network — Minnesota established the nation's
mission critical data. To maximize the benefits of FirstNet, public safety leaders, technology providers and stakeholders must to work together to develop connectivity standards. How important is it to deploy both net- works? Flash back to the 2007 bridge collapse when responders lost wireless access to 911. FirstNet would have automatically given local and mutual aid respond- ers priority on the wireless network, preempting other wireless calls and
tional benefits mean arriving better prepared. “For the first time, we’ll have photos and streaming video of a patient experiencing a medical event,” LaCroix says. Minnesota’s experience offers a guide for states transitioning to NG911, providing a window into the challenges and strategies to navigate them. “There’s apprehension among all of us who are responsible for deploy- ing NG911 because there’s no single blueprint to follow. Every state is
fostering communi- cation across juris- dictions and agen- cies. “Responders could have continued communicating with each other,” Wahl- berg says. August 1, 2007 would have enhanced emer- gency responders’ situational aware- ness with: improved location accuracy to pinpoint victims and vehicles; telematics information to gauge a vehicle’s impact The benefits of a fully-developed NG911 system on
approaching it differ- ently,” Wahlberg says. Minnesota created its own blueprint us- ing best practices. The initial challenge was obtaining PSAP support to opt in to NG911. Officials used a collaborative approach, including PSAPs in the planning process and conduct- ing significant educa- tion and outreach. Every PSAP opted in. Many variables came into play. Each PSAP equipment room is different and there’s a variety of 911 call
and severity of occupants’ injuries; and videos and photos to more quickly evaluate the incident to provide more immediate access for emergency ve- hicles to the scene. “The response to the bridge collapse went well, but this could have helped make it better in terms of locating patients and transporting them to staging areas,” says LaCroix, who was on the scene that day. Wahlberg agrees. “We could have received more robust information from callers and telematics devices, which in turn could have been shared with responders in the field, allowing them to triage their responses more quickly and effectively.” n
handling systems used by PSAPs across the state, requiring multiple migration plans. “It wasn’t like repeating the same process over and over again,” notes Wahlberg. As PSAPs migrated, a sup- port team of subject matter experts was poised to address issues that cropped up. Although a telephone surcharge funded a majority of NG911 transition costs, some PSAPs required additional funding. Minnesota looks for grant op- portunities to help supplement costs. As an early adopter, what suggestions does Wahlberg have for states experi- encing the apprehension she felt? “My advice? Start with the known NG911 requirements and just do something.” Wahlberg adds, “The train has left the station. Get on board!”
first interstate 911 call transfer capa- bility, which includes call-back and location functionality. The benefits of transferring 911 calls without losing a caller’s phone number and their location information speeds the response by minimizing conversa- tion between PSAPs. The telecom- municator receiving the transfer is provided with the same screen infor- mation as the originating call taker. Implementing NG911 is also important as Minnesota deploys FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network for first responders. FirstNet and NG911 are two complementary parts of one public safety system that will enable a reliable exchange of
12 NG911
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