The nature of mobile devices increase the effectiveness of cell phones while making emergency calls. Instead of relying on traditional dispatchers to determine a general location and send out local help, emergency calls made from a cell phone can pinpoint the specific location. While many states are embracing mobile integration into their emergency services Michigan may be leading the nation by capitalizing on today's evolving smartphone technology.
This blog has spoken at great lengths about the effectiveness of SMS emergency messages. Earlier this year, we reported on Marlyand's efforts to implement SMS services to bolster its 911 program. Michigan is taking that to the next level by allowing users to send pictures, videos and any other relevant media to the dispatcher, all through the SMS application.
Harriet Miller-Brown, Michigan's 911 administrator, spoke with The Detroit News about the state's initiative – dubbed Next Gen 911 – and its advantages over traditional calls.
"Basically, Next Gen 911 is the ability to receive 911 calls from any device," Miller-Brown said. "Our network was originally built on the current landline system, which works great. But, we've gone to cellular phones and all kinds of technology. Next Generation 911 is about bringing our 911 system in pace with that."
Ultimately, emergencies don't occur just at home. The need to reach emergency professionals can arise anywhere and at anytime. The ability to call or text a 911 service from a mobile device goes a long way in improving response efforts and mitigating the effects of an emergency.
Texting offers even greater assistance because many people, regardless of whether or not they own a mobile device or not, might not be in a position to make a phone call. If texting proves to be a more efficient communication practice, the ability to respond to emergency SMS messages will offer greater assistance to those who need it.
Swift SMS Gateway offers the tools emergency responders need to communicate with those in need via text message.
