The Town of Parry Sound is entering into an agreement with Bell Canada for a Next Generation 9-1-1 service.
Fire Chief Dave Thompson says local emergency services will finally be making the change from an analog system to a digital system. This change will allow people to send text messages, pictures and video to 9-1-1.
“We will be able to have those pictures and videos transferred to us as we are responding so we can know what we are getting involved with. We will be able to clearly identify the state of the emergency and be well prepared upon pulling up (to the scene),” said Thompson.
He noted that under the current system, first responders are given a brief summary of the situation from 9-1-1 dispatch and often the information is incorrect or not transferred properly. Getting pictures and video from the scene will provide responders with an accurate account of the situation.
“This is going to be a pretty significant enhancement for our ability to response in our best way possible,” said Thompson.
Another benefit of the enhancements is that they will also allow people who are non-verbal to communicate with 911.
Last night, council approved a bylaw officially entering into a new service agreement with Bell Canada.
According to Thompson, agreements across the region are being signed off on and upgrades to dispatch center’s are being made. He expects the new service to be rolled out within the next few years.