If you approach your life with a plan and contingencies for the plan, have you thought about the information that may be needed if you had to call 9-1-1? If you had access to a resource that allows you to provide information for a better response, would you use it?
As technology evolves and the 9-1-1 infrastructure changes, some Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs) are introducing technology platforms to enhance information gathering, sending the appropriate response and relaying relevant information to field responders, when a voice conversation with the caller may be impeded. Nashville’s Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) currently uses RapidSOS, a technology platform that also provides an ‘Emergency Health Profile’ portal that was created in response to Covid 19. The sign up for the Emergency Health Profile is free to its users and allows the user to include pertinent information about themselves or other household members, and its relevancy to what could possibly be occurring with the caller. From sharing the response to sirens, instructions for having the appropriate calming interactions or safety information for autistic callers, the profile information can provide crucial information to the telecommunicator. Information included in the Emergency Health Profile is only received in ECCs where RapidSOS is available, and the cell phone number attached to the profile dials 9-1-1. While a verbal conversation with the telecommunicator remains primary for calling 9-1-1 and processing the appropriate responses, a Nashville DEC telecommunicator has used information from the Emergency Health Profile to send the appropriate response, due to what was heard on the phone and questions that could not be answered by the caller. Each day, telecommunicators make decisions based upon available information. You have the choice to share valuable information via the Emergency Health Profile regarding your situation. The Autism Speaks website provides quick facts and resources that give insight to 9-1-1 Telecommunicators regarding providing an effective response to autistic callers, and the Emergency Health Profile is specific to you and your situation for the most effective response. The profile helps the telecommunicator help you. How do you sign up for the Emergency Health Profile? Click here Home (EmergencyProfile.org)
On the website, you will find answers regarding the privacy of your information and other frequently asked questions. Find out how RapidSOS teams up with the American Heart Association, American Red Cross and Direct Relief, as it pertains to the Emergency Health Profile. Reimagine 9-1-1 and how information sharing increases an effective response. There is a platform to do that. Consider signing up for the Emergency Health Profile.
***Check with your local ECC to see if RapidSOS is available. Nashville DEC (covering 9-1-1 calls placed within Davidson County) currently uses RapidSOS***
Patrice Coleman is currently the Training & Quality Assurance Manager for Nashville’s Department of Emergency Communications and has been in public-safety communications for 21 years.