Gov. Mike DeWine announced an expansion for the new Next Generation 911 Program in July, which implements new technology to residents and 911 offices across Ohio, including Athens County.
Updates include allowing citizens to text 911, contact 911 through smartwatches and wearable technology, access better location mapping to find emergencies and reduce transfers between call centers.
Athens County was one of the first to implement the program as a pilot county.
Since announcing the program, $62 million worth of funds have been put toward technology, support and the addition of new counties.
Teresa Fouts-Imler, the director of the Athens County Emergency Management Agency, claims the program has helped them get information quicker and more reliably.
“(The program) guarantees us that we’re getting information, and we’re getting accurate information, and it comes in quicker,” Fouts-Imler said.
According to a press release, Washington County, one of the first counties to implement NG 911, has seen a large increase in the number of correctly routed calls, leading to the county getting a 42.7% decrease in calls.
Kathleen Madden, director of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, stated in the same news release the program has helped waste less time in emergencies.
“Our pilot counties have taken more than 44,000 calls to date through the new system, and the reduction in transfers is saving critical time during emergencies,” Madden said.
However, Fouts-Imler said call transfers were not typically an issue for the Athens County Center because it is the only public safety answering point in Athens County other than the Ohio University Police Department and the Athens Police Department.
Fouts-Imler also highlighted she would like to see more funding go toward 911 centers in the future.
“When you’re looking at technology and staffing, ($150,000) is nowhere near the funding that we need to survive,” Fouts-Imler said. “How do these small counties that don’t have a lot of tax generation continually pay for these high-priced (technology) items, payroll, staffing and everything else?”
Fouts-Imler said she is grateful for increased funding for 911 services, though it is still not enough, especially in places like Athens and Hocking County, where college students and tourism increase the population.
Alternatively, Nick Magruder, APD chief, reported the location mapping involved in NG 911 has made first responders much more efficient in emergencies.
“The exact location definitely helps pinpoint (emergencies), especially with the amount of complexes that are in town,” Magruder said. “... Rather than trying to find someone in a multi-building area, we can narrow it down.”
Magruder also claimed this program will make a difference in the ability of people with disabilities to contact emergency services.
“Using smart devices, like a watch, if you have access to that, you might be able to get that across and help anyone who has a disability with speaking,” Magruder explained. “You can text someone who may have a hearing issue … it’s a lot more streamlined than trying to use a third-party facilitator to communicate.”
Magruder ensured this program helps emergency services and the people of Athens.
“It makes law enforcement, EMS and fire a lot more accessible,” Magruder said. “ ... This opens up a lot more equitable way for people to have access to professional services and safety services.”
