I do think it will revolutionize emergency response,” adds Fennessy, “by enhancing information… and making higher-quality decisions so we’re sending the right level of resources. —Chief Brian Fennessy, Fire Chief, Orange County Fire Authority
center. InWhitman, Massachusetts, Chief Timothy Grenno found that using a centralized 911 call center freed up a firefighter working dispatch. Instead of five firefighters, he says, ”Nowwe’re going out the door with six firefighters assigned to two apparatus.” Then there are the incalculable costs of a saved life. “The key is keeping re- sources available for genuine emergen- cies,” says Chief Fennessy. “And NG911 helps accomplish that.” n
than one percent of the state’s calls. The reason: two or more NG911- connected call centers can distribute calls across a state or even across state lines. It’s easier, faster and more cost- effective to share improvements from the upgrade such as shared, centralized call handling equipment or computer- aided dispatch. At the same time, com- munities preserve local control.
ceive the information—and deploying a dedicated public safety broadband network to share it with first respond- ers over their dedicated nationwide wireless network. SAVING COSTS WHILE SAVING LIVES Upgrading to NG911 is not inexpen- sive, but over time, agencies could save money through efficiencies. Vermont realized significant savings by rerout- ing 911 calls from a PSAP taking less 5
For some fire chiefs, local control means deciding to join a regional call
10 NG911
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