Key Takeaways:
- Butler County 911 officials are utilizing new technology to improve response times to emergencies
- The RapidSOS UNITE public safety AI platform provides dispatchers with real-time intelligence and tools to assist with 911 calls
- The system enables dispatchers to see caller information before answering, locate callers, and receive translations and transcriptions for non-English speakers
- The technology also allows individuals to send pictures and videos to dispatchers to provide a better understanding of emergency situations
- The new technology is helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of first responders in Butler County
Introduction to New Technology
Butler County 911 officials are hailing new technology as a game-changer in helping first responders get to emergencies faster. As 911 dispatcher Nathan Blackwood noted, "It’s an interesting job; no day is the same." Blackwood is one of many dispatchers inside the communication center who handle every type of emergency call. The new technology, RapidSOS UNITE, is a public safety AI platform that uses real-time intelligence in 911 workloads. According to Matthew McDonald with RapidSOS, "This is RapidSOS UNITE… that uses real-time intelligence in 911 workloads." This platform is providing dispatchers with new tools to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.
How RapidSOS Works
RapidSOS enables dispatchers to see who is calling before they pick up, allowing them to be better prepared for the emergency. Once the dispatchers pick up the call, they can find the person’s exact location. The system uses translation and transcription coding to assist dispatchers if the person on the other end of the call has trouble or can’t speak English. As Blackwood explained, individuals can send pictures of what’s going on to give dispatchers a better idea of what fire, police, and paramedics will be facing. For example, "Two weeks ago, our fire department was dispatched to a house fire. Dispatchers got a video from the scene, and they actually let us know the house was heavily involved in a fire." This technology is providing valuable information to first responders, allowing them to respond more quickly and effectively to emergencies.
The Importance of Dispatchers
According to Robert McLafferty, Butler County 911 coordinator, "The things most folks don’t realize is our folks are the first first responders." Dispatchers play a critical role in emergency response, and the new technology is helping to support them in their work. McLafferty noted, "It’s really like having bodyguards behind our folks." The RapidSOS platform is providing an extra layer of protection and support for dispatchers, allowing them to focus on their work and respond to emergencies more efficiently. As Blackwood noted, the job of a dispatcher is never the same from one day to the next, and the new technology is helping to make their work more manageable and effective.
Real-World Applications
The RapidSOS platform has already been used in several real-world emergency situations in Butler County. For example, in the case of the house fire mentioned earlier, the video sent by the caller helped dispatchers to understand the severity of the situation and respond accordingly. This technology has the potential to save lives and improve outcomes in emergency situations. As McDonald noted, the RapidSOS platform is designed to provide dispatchers with the tools they need to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively. By providing real-time intelligence and translations, the platform is helping to bridge the gap between dispatchers and callers, and ensuring that first responders have the information they need to respond to emergencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new technology being used by Butler County 911 officials is having a significant impact on emergency response times and effectiveness. The RapidSOS UNITE platform is providing dispatchers with the tools they need to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively, and is helping to support them in their critical work. As McLafferty noted, dispatchers are the first first responders, and the new technology is helping to provide them with the support and protection they need to do their jobs. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and real-time intelligence, Butler County 911 officials are helping to save lives and improve outcomes in emergency situations.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/butler-county-911-ai-rapidsos-unite/