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Category: TXT29-1-1

IntradoBlogSafety ServicesTXT29-1-1

Category: TXT29-1-1

Posted on June 3, 2016 by West Corporation

Go for the Gold: Integrated Text-to-911 for PSAPs

By John Snapp VP of Technology for West, Safety Services

A significant goal was achieved in 2009 when a public safety answering point (PSAP) located in the basement of a county jail in Waterloo, Iowa, accepted the first ever text message to 9-1-1. The Blackhawk County center made history when they successfully received a simple message to send help.

Today, thanks to the voluntary commitment of the carriers to enable the support and routing of text-to-911 calls, PSAPs can prepare their centers to accept and respond to 9-1-1 text messages. Industry leaders have developed standards and hundreds of PSAPs have registered with the FCC to certify their readiness to accept text messages.

Posted on June 10, 2015 by West Corporation

“Help Man With Gun In House.” 6 Years of Text-to-911

Today I was reminded that six years ago on June 9, 2009, Black Hawk County, Iowa received the first successful test of a 911 text message in the country, supported by our TXT29-1-1® service. At the time, the simple text of “help man with gun in house” was considered a breakthrough for the speech and hearing-impaired community. Today, a text-to-911 message is the best alternative to a voice 9-1-1 call in emergency situations.

Over 500 PSAPS enabled with Text Capabilities

West has helped enable over 500 PSAPs with text capabilities, and wireless carriers provide 911 text support where available.

There are still challenges ahead, including improving funding to upgrade current 911 systems and increasing the public’s awareness about this capability in their jurisdictions.

Still, milestones like these remind me what a privilege it is to be part of a community that works collaboratively to leverage every available technology in the interest of public safety.

Calling 911 is always best, but if you can’t, send a text.