By Laura French
WASHINGTON — The National 911 Program has published a new resource for dispatchers to better understand Next Generation 911 (NG911) and what to expect as their communications centers make the transition.
“NG911 for Telecommunicators” includes a plain language explanation of what NG911 is and isn’t, information on the changes and benefits NG911 might bring to a dispatcher’s job, advice on how 911 professionals can get involved in the NG911 transition at their center and how to stay updated on the progress of NG911 implementation, according to the National 911 Program. The resource also includes advice on self-care and wellness for public safety telecommunicators.
“This publication explains NG911 in clear, non-technical language to give you a better sense of how the transition might take place at your center,” National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA) Executive Director Harriet Rennie-Brown said in a statement. “Like any big change, this one won’t be easy or fast. But it is necessary.”
The National 911 Program has previously published resources for fire, EMS and law enforcement leaders to better understand the benefits of NG911 implementation. The latest publication emphasizes the essential role of telecommunicators in the successful implementation of NG911 networks.
“It’s telecommunicators — not the technology — that are the most precious resource,” stated Lee Ann Magoski, ENP, the director of emergency communications in Monterey County, California. “It’s not next generation that makes 911 work, it’s the dispatchers that are doing the job, day in and day out.”