DEAFBC

Greetings All,

Please note that this distribution list is for those interested in updates on 911 issues in general. If you do not wish to receive such emails please let me know and I will remove your name. Thank you.

T911: (Texting to 911)

The trials are complete from both a technical perspective and logistic perspective. The ESWG (Emergency Services Working Group) is completing a report for the CRTC with their findings and recommendations. The following points need to be considered before a full roll out to the community takes place:

Each PSAP (municipality) location may need to upgrade their technical system in order to accommodate the technical needs of T911.

This could be a significant cost and will create delays for a full roll out.

Community Education Programs need to be in place to ensure the safety of the end users.

If people do not understand the process of how to call 911 via their cell phone and if those calling do not understand the limitations to the system a false sense of safety could put someone at risk.

Brochures and other information media needs to be developed. This would include ASL and closed captioned videos

T911 calls into any municipality are limited to what is currently available for any cell phone voice calls: this would include accuracy issues as well. Cell phone service into 911 has limitations for everyone not just those dependent on texting.
If you have any questions please let me know.

E911: (Enhanced 911)

This is your land line service. Given that T911 is currently NOT available those with speech and hearing difficulties will still need to rely on their land line service or voice cell phone service to get the help they need in an emergency. As you know this has some significant limitations that everyone needs to be aware of.

If you have a hearing loss the best way in which to make a 911 call is via your TTY if you have one.

Only a few municipalities have a registration process that allows community members the peace of mind that they will be identified as a TTY caller when a call comes into 911.

Using your cell phone to dial into 911 will not provide automatic location and unless you can speak on the cell phone and provide an accurate address, significant delays in finding your location exist.

Dead or silent cell phone calls are often not dispatched to due to the number of pocket dials into 911.

If you are unable to communicate over the telephone for any reason – using your land line telephone and leaving the phone line open will at a minimum provide the 911 operator your location.

Police services will be dispatched but significant delays could exist depending on the municipality you live in and the other 911 calls that are already in the system.

Known situations are often dispatched to first and silent calls have less of a priority when multiple calls are in the system.

Not all communities have E911 across Canada
If you have any questions please let me know

NG911: (Next Generation 911)

The development of an IP (Internet protocols) based 911 system is being developed in many locations and countries. This will take significant time and funding to complete. NG911 could offer such technology enhanced as:

Video to 911
Email to 911
Texting to 911

Due to funding limitations The Canadian Hearing Society has discontinued the 911 Project. I am currently looking for some volunteers to assist me in continuing this project. It is vital that the municipalities, provincial governments, federal governments and member agencies understand that community members are at risk everyday. Greater attention, funding and resources are the only way change and system improvements will become a reality. I do not want to see this project lay dormant for another 20 years!

If you are interested in being part of this process please let me know. If you know of others that are interested please provide their contact information (at their request). I can add them to this distribution list. I am also looking to include other disability groups to this endeavour so that we can all work together towards short term and long term solutions.

Best Regards,
Mandy

Mandy Conlon
MJC Consulting Services
911 Improvement Project
mandyconlon@rogers.com
519-860-8822
http://www.nena.org