- by Michele Abott, Communications – Training Coordinator, Kansas 911 Coordinating Council When disaster strikes, our first instinct is to dial 911. But some disasters come with network and power outages that can impact 911 call centers and their ability to take calls. Thanks to the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council, a new Emergency Mobile Dispatch and Training Center (EMDTC) is helping to keep 911 operations functional when a traditional call center may be out of commission.
From Eureka to the crowded streets of Wichita, the center can be deployed across the state, ensuring that when Kansans dial 911, a telecommunicator can answer the call and dispatch first responders if needed.
The EMDTC is powered by FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network built exclusively for first responders. The state-of-the-art vehicle is fully equipped with workstations for 911 call-taking and radio dispatch, computers, televisions to provide real-time news and emergency updates, and security cameras on all four sides to enhance safety during deployments.
The mobile unit can also be used to support public safety exercises and training, bringing advanced 911 call-handling and dispatch technology directly to local agencies. “This unit allows us to deliver hands-on training and operational support wherever it’s needed — whether that’s at a local fairground for an exercise or assisting a 911 center during a crisis,” said Sherry Massey, Executive Director of the Council.
Senator Marci Francisco, Senator Rick Billinger, Representative Kyle Hoffman and staff from U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Roger Marshall and Representative Tracey Mann’s office joined the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council at a ribbon-cutting event on May 15 to unveil the mobile unit. Also in attendance were representatives from the First Responder Network Authority, AT&T, Motorola, and RapidDeploy.
For more information on the EMDTC, contact Michele Abbott at Michele. Abbott@kansas911. org.
(Courtesy photo)
