A new 911 system set to go live today is designed to help firefighters, medical workers and police officers respond more quickly to emergencies in the territory, according to government.
“The system combines real-time GPS tracking of emergency calls with digital mapping, instant transmission of directions to responding vehicles, and access to property and location details through Town and Country Planning’s GIS database,” government said Friday.
The launch of the 911 Computer-Aided Dispatch System follows training provided to emergency-response personnel in recent days at the territory’s 911 and Emergency Operations Centre.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, which hosted the training, billed the new system as a big step toward strengthening emergency response services across the board. Among other benefits, it will allow firefighters, police and medical services to coordinate more seamlessly, according to the ministry.
Removing ‘guesswork’
Russell Jones, director of the 911 and Emergency Operations Centre, described the launch as a transformational moment.
“We have had situations where responders could see smoke from a fire but did not know how to get to the exact location,” he said. “This new system removes that guesswork. It provides pinpoint accuracy, step-by-step directions, and critical details that will save time — and in many cases, save lives.”
Mr. Jones added that the launch will also allow the facility to operate as a “true 24/7 centre” for the first time.
“Before, calls made between midnight and 7 a.m. were handled by the fire department,” he said. “With this launch, 911 will run three full shifts every day, supported by advanced technology. This will significantly improve how we serve the public.”
British Caribbean News
