New Hamilton County 911 software offers texting, livestream options
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County 911 has new additions to their call center, making it easier for certain groups to communicate with them. It will benefit the deaf, hard of hearing and those who speak other languages. The newest additions allow 911 callers to actually text in the needed information, in real time.
“Real time text is important to the deaf and hard of hearing community,” said Jeff Carney, Executive Director of Hamilton County 911. “There is a real big drive to make sure they can communicate with emergency services in the same manner that a hearing, speaking person can. And of course, we’re conversing right now in real time.”
Hamilton County’s Emergency Communications District added in a new software, built by Prepared, back in September.
That software enabled the dispatch center to livestream, receive photos and videos, and receive location from a caller in real-time.
“Once we have contacted them, if the call meets certain criteria, or if it is something where we think having a visual of the scene will help, we can send out a request for them to share video or pictures with us. We have done that quite a bit,” Carney said.
The 911 center says these additions improved their ability to respond to emergencies and provide enhanced awareness to responders before they arrive on-scene.
Callers will now have the option to receive a livestream link texted to them from the dispatcher.
Furthermore, the Prepared software now allows real time texting with callers. Hamilton County says this is beneficial especially to those that are deaf or hard of hearing.
The new additions also allow text translation. It will translate 160 languages. Previously, the dispatch center had to put an interpreter onto voice calls.
“We want to make sure that we can communicate with the public in the best manner possible and make sure that we can get accurate and real time information out to the responders that are coming to help them,” Carney added.
