Many times first responders will receive calls and not have
much information available about emergencies until they arrive at the scene.
Then they have to figure out what is wrong. At best the person calling 911 can
give information about the situation to the 911 call taker. But, responders can
also encounter only an unconscious person who cannot tell them what is wrong.
The idea of Smart911 is for citizens to voluntarily provide
information that might be important to first responders in an emergency. This
could include medications, medical conditions such as asthma, heart conditions,
mental conditions, or Alzheimer’s/dementia. Information about access to your
property, such as gate codes, can also be provided.
With Smart911, you set up an account with a “Safety Profile”
that contains the emergency information that you would want to provide to
SNOPAC during an emergency. When you call 911, the system recognizes your phone
number then displays your emergency information automatically on the call taker’s
screen. Smart911 points out that this can be especially helpful in situations
when you are unable to communicate or the situation makes it unwise to
communicate.
Through Smart911, SNOPAC has the capability to send and
receive text messages. Currently, outside of Smart911 texting is not available
during 911 calls. Texting is helpful for those who have hearing or speech
problems. Also, through Smart911, you can give SNOPAC permission to ping your
cell phone. This can be important if you cannot communicate, or if you are not
sure exactly where you are. This capability is often limited to a few emergency
circumstances that are governed by strict protocols.
The information that you provide is secure. It is
maintained in a national database that is not shared except when you call 911.
Note: Smart911 is another private initiative that is
intended to help local governments with their information/data needs. A few
years ago the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, as well as other local police
agencies, signed up for www.crimemapping.com
which provides crime data to the public. SNOPAC has a three year, $180,000 ($60,000 per year)
contract with Smart911. SNOCOM, the other 911 agency in the county, currently
does not have a contract with Smart911.
Smart911, Fox News video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9jPie30sjs
How Smart911 works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZEhgMr81Q8
The Herald:
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20140805/NEWS01/140809565/Before-an-emergency-store-your-profile-for-911-dispatchers
Smart911:
https://www.smart911.com/
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