Upgrades to Cherokee County Kansas Emergency 911 center
What do you think?
People calling the Cherokee County Emergency Communications Center will notice a major change when speaking to our Emergency Telecommunicators. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for dispatching services to all Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, and EMS for agencies in Cherokee County, and we have recently partnered with Power Phone, which gives Emergency Telecommunicators the ability to thoroughly document and give real time instructions to those that are calling during an emergency.
According to Cherokee County Communications Manager Laura Meador; “This program has over 80 interactive scripts for law, fire, and EMS emergencies designed to help our telecommunicators provide the highest level of service to our citizens.
They are now able to provide lifesaving instructions over the phone such as CPR guidance, bleeding control or other first aid instructions while responders are on their way.
Those calling 911 may be asked more questions than before, but that does not delay emergency responders being dispatched. While information is being gathered it is automatically imported into our Computer System allowing responders to see real time data. The additional information will help us quickly determine exactly what is happening. This allows us to immediately send the correct responders and equipment, while prioritizing critical emergencies.”
EMD has already proven to be vital in the short time it has been in service at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Emergency Telecommunicators have been able to give information to help a choking victim, CPR, and other medical emergencies. We have received positive feedback from Emergency Responders throughout the county, who now receive updated information and are better prepared to give care upon arrival at the scene.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is committed to upgrading our systems to provide the best possible service to the citizens of Cherokee County. Our Emergency Telecommunicators have received training in this program, while also receiving certification from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO). Sheriff Henderson stated; “We cannot put a value on someone’s life and if we can save just one life by implementing this program it will be worth it.”
