Trail Life Communications Technology – Requirement 1

• Telephones: Traditional landline phones and mobile phones (smartphones) are primary tools for voice communication, allowing for direct conversations with family and friends, and also for accessing services. 
• Smartphones: These devices offer a wide range of communication capabilities, including voice calls, text messaging, video calls, social media, and access to the internet, making them versatile tools for both personal and professional communication. 
• Computers: Computers, including laptops and desktops, are essential for written communication (emails, instant messaging), accessing online resources, video conferencing, and engaging in social media. 
• Tablets: Tablets are portable devices that offer a balance between the convenience of a smartphone and the larger screen of a computer, enabling communication through video calls, messaging apps, and internet browsing. 
• Televisions: Televisions are used for watching news, entertainment, and video calls. They can also be used for accessing online services through smart TV apps. 

How 911 Dispatch Works:

• Calling 911:

  When you dial 911, your call is routed to a local PSAP, also known as a 911 call center or emergency communication center. 
• Call-Taker/Dispatcher:

  A call-taker or dispatcher answers the phone, and they will ask you a series of questions to understand the nature of the emergency, your location, and other relevant details. 
• Gathering Information:

  The call-taker/dispatcher will document the information into a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, which helps them prioritize and track the incident, as well as the status of responding units. 
• Dispatching Resources:

  Based on the information gathered, the dispatcher will determine which emergency services (police, fire, or EMS) are needed and dispatch the appropriate resources to the scene. 
• Coordinating Response:

  The dispatcher will also coordinate with the responding units, providing updates and instructions as needed. 
• Pre-Arrival Instructions:

  In some cases, the dispatcher may provide pre-arrival instructions to the caller, such as how to provide first aid or how to stay safe until help arrives. 
• Secondary PSAPs:

  In some cases, a call may be transferred to a secondary PSAP, which may specialize in handling specific types of emergencies, such as fire or medical emergencies. 

When to Use 911:

• Life-Threatening Emergencies:

  911 is for situations where there is an immediate danger to life or property, such as:

  • Crimes in progress: A crime that is currently happening.
  • Fires: A fire that is out of control or endangering lives.
  • Medical emergencies: A medical condition that requires immediate medical attention, such as a heart attack, stroke, or severe injury.
• Do Not Use 911 for:

  • Non-emergency situations: Do not call 911 for non-emergency situations, such as lost keys, a broken window, or a minor traffic accident.
  • To ask questions: Do not call 911 to ask questions about police or fire services.
  • To report a crime that has already happened: If a crime has already occurred, you should call the non-emergency number for your local police department.