Missouri Counties Without 911- Emergency Dispatch Upgrades Are Changing The Game

Missouri Counties Without 911- Emergency Dispatch Upgrades Are Changing The Game

In a world where dialing 911 is synonymous with getting help, some counties in Missouri remain an exception. In certain areas, emergencies are rerouted to traditional 10-digit landlines instead of modern 911 systems.

However, thanks to federal funding and state initiatives, these gaps in emergency services are finally being addressed.

The upgrades aim to modernize the infrastructure, save lives, and reduce response times across the state.

The Current Challenges in Missouri’s Emergency Services

Missouri’s counties handle their 911 services independently, leading to disparities in capabilities. Rural areas, especially in southeast Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest, lag significantly behind in emergency dispatch technology.

According to Scott Cason, Executive Director of the Missouri 911 Service Board, the lack of geolocation technology has made it difficult to locate callers in emergencies, which can have life-threatening consequences.

Key Facts:

  • Over 10 counties in Missouri were labeled as “red counties” with the lowest service levels.
  • Calls to 911 in these counties are often rerouted to landlines, where dispatchers might be overwhelmed with other duties.
  • Emergency response times are slower due to outdated systems relying on copper cables.

Federal and State Funding: A Game Changer

The Missouri 911 Service Board has made strides in improving these gaps, fueled by federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and state contributions. A total of $21 million has been allocated to upgrade the state’s emergency dispatching systems.

Breakdown of Funding:

SourceAmount
ARPA Funds$10 million
Missouri State Funds$11 million

This funding has already improved 911 services in over 65 counties, with plans to bring all counties up to modern standards using Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology.

What Is Next Generation 911 (NG911)?

NG911 is a cutting-edge system that uses fiber optics and wireless 5G networks instead of traditional copper cables. This technology enables:

  • Faster communication.
  • Enhanced geolocation for pinpointing caller locations.
  • Automated dispatching that considers factors like bridge clearances and road detours.

To implement NG911, the state also conducted a comprehensive GIS mapping flyover, costing $3 million. This mapping ensures ultra-specific data that can streamline emergency dispatch processes.

Regionalization Approach for Cost-Effective Upgrades

To make upgrades more affordable and efficient, the Missouri 911 Service Board has adopted a regionalization strategy.

This involves grouping nearby counties to share resources while maintaining local control over specific dispatch services.

For example, counties can choose to consolidate fire and EMS dispatch while keeping police dispatch separate.

Benefits of Regionalization:

  • Faster implementation of upgrades.
  • Reduced costs for smaller counties.
  • Improved communication across county lines.

According to Angela Rodgers, Director of the Scott County 911 Emergency Services Board, regionalization will address cross-border issues, such as calls being misrouted to other states like Illinois.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Expectations

The upgrades are expected to take 2-3 years to complete, with additional funding required to cover all counties. The 911 Service Board is requesting $10 million from the General Assembly for the next fiscal year to continue this vital work.

Despite the challenges, the upgrades promise to:

  • Automate processes, reducing response times.
  • Improve dispatcher efficiency.
  • Save lives by ensuring emergency responders reach the right location quickly.

Challenges:

  • Integrating NG911 with older systems.
  • Ensuring adequate funding for all counties.
  • Training dispatchers to use new technology.

The modernization of Missouri’s 911 system marks a significant step forward in public safety. By addressing disparities in emergency services and adopting state-of-the-art technology, the state is paving the way for quicker response times and better outcomes for residents.

While challenges remain, the combination of federal funding, state support, and innovative solutions like regionalization offers a lifeline to underserved counties.

These upgrades promise to transform how emergencies are handled, ensuring that every Missouri resident has access to reliable, life-saving services when they need them most.

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