How NG911 PSAPs Are Helping Streamline Dispatchable Locations

Posted in All, NGA911 on Feb 27, 2023

For Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), the importance of obtaining the accurate location of every 9-1-1 caller cannot be underestimated. Knowing where individuals needing emergency assistance are located is vital for dispatchers to deploy the appropriate responders and resources with minimal delay. The introduction of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) has made this process easier than ever before. 

In this blog from NGA, our NG911 experts and trusted providers will discuss how NG911 PSAPs are helping streamline dispatchable locations and why this is so important for modern emergency response. 

Table of Contents:

  1. What Are NG911 PSAPs? 
  2. What Are Dispatchable Locations?
  3. How NG911 PSAPs Streamline Dispatchable Locations 
  4. Understanding the Impacts of Dispatchable Location Technology
  5. The Benefits of Accurate Dispatchable Locations 
  6. Conclusion 

People Also Ask:

Does 911 have geolocation?

The cell signals that towers send to 9-1-1 provide information that falls under one of two steps. Step one of a call involves giving the location of the towers that received the emergency call. The second step is sending that information to the nearest PSAPs to process the call. 

Can dispatchers track your phone?

NENA, or the National Emergency Number Association, states that 80% of all 9-1-1 calls come from cell phones. Most individuals expect 9-1-1 call centers to be able to track their location. However, the wireless carrier provides a signal to emergency medical services agencies that identify the location.  

What Are NG911 PSAPs? 

NG911 PSAPs is a term used to identify Public Safety Answering Points running on the NG911 system. PSAPs that use NG911 are capable of processing emergency calls and accessing multimedia data services following NENA’s i3 standard specifications. 

Instead of employing outdated legacy infrastructures, NG911 PSAPs run on the secure, interconnected networks of NG911, which are made up of IP (Internet Protocol) and cloud-based networks.

What Are Dispatchable Locations?

Dispatchable locations are the precise coordinates or locations dispatchers, and emergency responders use to locate 9-1-1 callers in need of assistance. These locations can be street addresses, GPS coordinates, or smartphone lines, which provide PSAPs with a clear indication of where they need to send help. These locations must be accurate; if not, it could mean precious minutes spent trying to pinpoint the correct location. 

How NG911 PSAPs Streamline Dispatchable Locations 

Public Safety Answering Points employing NG911 services and technology have made it easier for dispatchers and other first responders to accurately identify and respond to emergency calls than ever before. Because the NG911 utilizes advanced data and cloud computing services, dispatchers can quickly and easily access potentially life-saving information from multiple sources, such as smartphones, car computer systems, and other smart devices. 

Additionally, NG911 PSAPs can use real-time data from 9-1-1 callers to pinpoint individual and incident locations with greater accuracy. Access to this data helps reduce response times and ensure emergency assistance arrives as quickly as possible. 

NG911 also provides PSAPs with solutions that make managing dispatchable locations faster and more efficient. For example, some NG911 solutions enable dispatchers to view multiple calls simultaneously, helping them prioritize them based on their urgency or importance. That allows dispatchers to focus their attention and efforts on those needing help first. 

Understanding the Impacts of Dispatchable Location Technology

Dispatchable location technologies built into NG911 systems allow the PSAP to collect a caller’s exact location. Dispatchers use this information to send responders directly to the source of the emergency, minimizing the lag time between the call and the arrival of first responders. As this technology advances, it’s easier for PSAPs to extract accurate dispatchable locations from callers. 

One example of this technology is how Next Generation 911 utilizes Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) enabled devices such as smartphones and tablets that use GPS and other satellite-based navigation systems. These devices can provide exact latitude and longitude coordinates, helping direct responders right to the scene; an invaluable capability when lives are on the line. 

The Benefits of Accurate Dispatchable Locations 

Accurately identifying and responding to calls for help isn't just beneficial for those in need; it's also vital for first responders who risk their lives in the field daily. By leveraging advanced technologies like NG911, Public Safety Answering Points can locate callers in distress and ensure that help arrives safely and on time. 

Having an accurate dispatchable location can also help reduce costs associated with emergency response efforts by streamlining processes within public safety organizations, freeing up valuable resources that can be used elsewhere as needed.  

Conclusion 

As you can see, Next Generation 911 has changed how dispatchers access dispatchable locations and made it easier for them to provide fast and accurate help when needed most. They can provide quicker response than ever by giving PSAPs access to real-time data through solutions like GPS devices and NG911 GIS mapping systems.

Ultimately, these improvements will lead to better outcomes for individuals who need help during an emergency thanks to Next Generation 911 technology!

Would you like to know more?

Connect with our NGA team for information about NG911 today!