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December 26, 2012

News for emergency communications and response professionals

Making the Call

Los Angeles city, county consider regional 9-1-1 network
Los Angeles city and county fire officials are discussing the creation of a regional 9-1-1 network to make sure the closest first responders are dispatched to emergencies. The talks came after a Los Angeles Times report that showed the nearest emergency crews often were not dispatched because the city and county do not work together. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)/L.A. Now blog (12/20)

20 Minn. counties upgrade to NG9-1-1 technology
Twenty counties in Minnesota have upgraded to Next Generation 9-1-1 technology, which is designed to allow callers to use text messages or photos when seeking emergency assistance. Michael Peterson, Winona County's public safety answering point supervisor, says the upgrade can be lifesaving for people who need to contact 9-1-1 without alerting an attacker to their location. Winona Post (Minn.) (12/23)

Policy Pulse

N.J. county may offer deal on use of 9-1-1 dispatch center
Officials in Bergen County, N.J., may offer 70 local municipalities the use of the county's 9-1-1 dispatch center at no additional charge. The county opened a new center in 2010 but has had trouble getting towns to pay a fee to use it. The county would seek state 9-1-1 fees to offset the loss of revenue. NorthJersey.com (Hackensack, N.J.) (free registration) (12/25)

Report: Poor data delaying effort to improve Calif. 9-1-1
Aging computer systems and problems with data collection at fire departments and rescue agencies in California are slowing efforts by the state to improve 9-1-1 services, according to a Los Angeles Times report. The Emergency Medical Services Authority is collecting reports on emergency medical responses to compare data, but almost half of the state's regional agencies have not provided information. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (12/21)

Innovation Insights

DHS develops new battery options for emergency responders
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is developing battery technology that can solve power issues faced by first responders who use multiple types of equipment and gadgets, says Jalal Mapar, program manager for the DHS's directorate of science and technology. The prototype is a paper-thin, environmentally friendly battery that can be used in multiple forms and power configurations and also is less expensive. Urgent Communications (12/20)

Intrado offers backup 9-1-1 solution on maritime spectrum
Intrado is offering its HF 9-1-1 system to public safety agencies, allowing them to tap into the high-frequency spectrum from 3 MHz to 30 MHz that used to be available only for maritime uses. Chief Technology Officer Stephen Meer said it will give agencies a FirstNet-friendly, "viable, apocalypse-proof solution to back up other levels of communication." Urgent Communications (12/20)

SmartQuote

Never get so fascinated by the extraordinary that you forget the ordinary."

--Magdalen Nabb,
British author

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