E911 Hosted Solutions Featured Article

Emergency services available by calling the 911 extension have been in place for the last 45 years. While such services have lent considerable value to first responders and those they aim to assist, the technology involved cannot remain stagnant. For that reason, 911 is getting smarter with the evolution of E911 hosted solutions.

Average citizens may readily assume that a call placed to a 911 call center will result in a gathering of emergency vehicles outside of their residence, even if they are unable to communicate audibly during the call. This is true for the standard home with a physical address. But what if that call is made from an office inside a multi-building corporate complex?

In such an emergency situation, the 911 call center can register the number against the physical address, but that may only lead first responders to the front door. When time is of the essence, emergency personnel can’t wait and see if they happen to be in the right place. Likewise, if the person in distress has a pre-existing condition that makes an impact on the care received, this information in the hands of first responders could save a life.

Currently, there is no process in place for 911 callers to collect, store and manage this type of information to then distribute in the case of an emergency. With Smart911, however, that is about to change. According to this Avaya (News - Alert) blog, Smart911 is being used in more than 26 states and allows individuals to create profiles for their families. Emergency responders then have access to these profiles if an emergency arises.

A Smart Database

With Smart911, a national safety database designed by Rave Mobile Safety, the information entered into the system shows up in front of the operator taking the 911 call, as long as he or she has access to Smart911 technology. As an E911 hosted solutions offering, Smart911 registration is free and all information stored on the private network is protected, only made available to 911 operators when a verified call is made.

Travel is Included

If an individual is traveling, the same information is displayed if a call is made from a mobile phone, as long as that mobile phone number is registered with the Smart911 account. One of the benefits of any E911 hosted solutions offering is the ability to reach the necessary services from anywhere and using any device. Smart911 is leveraging this capability for the benefit of its subscribers.

Is it Working?

Just how effective is Smart911? According to this TMCnet report, more than one million residents in the state of Tennessee have registered their safety profile on the database. Now, first responders are enjoying greater situational awareness before responding to a call, and citizens are seeing the positive results. As information is key to a positive outcome in an emergency situation, Smart911 is meeting a significant need.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.