There are approximately 600,000 9-1-1 phone calls made per day around the United States. With the sheer volume, you can see why a nationwide upgrade to a fail proof emergency response system is crucial. Our country has begun the upgrade to next generation 9-1-1, and it sits on the back of what’s called the ESInet (Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network). Because, without it, there is no NG9-1-1. Therefore, let’s dive into what the ESInet is, its key features, and the indisputable benefits it brings to public safety.
What is ESINET
The ESInet facilitates the seamless exchange of data between emergency callers, PSAPs, and first responders. Additionally, it empowers emergency services to keep pace with the digital age and provides the necessary tools to deliver quicker, and more efficient, assistance to those in need.
What Are The Key Features of the ESInet?
- IP-Based Communication: The ESInet is a secure and high-speed IP network specifically designed as the backbone for NG9-1-1. It’s compatible with the digital world we live in today.
- Multimedia Data Handling: In emergency situations, a phone call isn’t always the easiest and safest method of communication. The ESInet allows for the transmission of multimedia data, such as text, photos, and videos. This allows PSAPs to better understand the nature and severity of incidents, thus improving response strategies.
- Rapid Location Delivery: One of the standout features of the ESInet is its ability to provide location information more quickly with a call. The ESInet allows the caller location to be delivered along with the call itself rather than through the back-end ALI process that exists today. This reduces the time needed for first responders to be dispatched to a scene.
- Secure and Reliable: Security is paramount in emergency communications. The ESInet is designed with robust security measures to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. Furthermore, it’s engineered for high reliability, ensuring that critical communications are not disrupted during emergencies or network outages.
- Interconnectivity: The ESInet allows for information sharing between PSAPs and emergency agencies. It enables different municipalities and organizations to connect seamlessly for a coordinated response to complex incidents. These incidents may span multiple areas.
- Redundancy and Resilience: In emergency situations, network reliability is non-negotiable. The ESInet has built-in backup systems to ensure continuous operations even in the event of hardware failures or natural disasters. This redundancy safeguards the flow of critical information when it matters the most.
What Are the Key Benefits of the ESInet?
- Faster Response Times: Quicker access to location information and multimedia data enables first responders to reach the scene faster. This potentially saves lives and minimizing additional injury or damages.
- Increased Situational Awareness: With access to real-time data, PSAP operators and first responders can better understand the situation. This allows them to make informed decisions before reaching the emergency scene and deploy resources more effectively.
- Reduced Human Error: NG9-1-1 and ESInet reduce the reliance on voice calls, minimizing the risk of miscommunication or misinterpretation of critical information during emergencies.
- Improved Resource Allocation: When PSAPS are interconnected, they can share resources, and make sure that the right personnel and equipment are dispatched quickly to the right location.
Contact Synergem Technologies to Learn More About The ESInet
As education, funding, and federal support increases for the nationwide upgrade to NG9-1-1, the days of relying solely on voice calls to 9-1-1 are slowly coming to an end.
By enabling the exchange of multimedia data, enhancing location accuracy, promoting interconnectivity, and ensuring resilience, the ESInet improves emergency response systems immeasurably. Also, as technology continues to evolve, embracing NG9-1-1 and the ESInet is a proactive step toward creating a safer and more efficient emergency response network. Contact our team to learn more! They can help get you started with your upgrade to next generation 9-1-1.