For the week of September 18 - 24, 2002

In these times, 
E-911 a must

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To get to the unpleasant point first.

Despite what Wood River Valley residents might believe, they do not— repeat, do not!—have the latest and best 911 emergency telephone system.

What we have is a first generation version of 911—one that only connects callers to an emergency services operator.

So, if a resident or visitor has an emergency, and calls 911, the operator must ask the location of the caller. If callers lose their calm or are in such dire distress they can’t talk intelligibly, then the 911 operator is at a loss to know where to dispatch emergency services. Not to mention the dilemmas of a new visitor who may not know exactly where he or she is located, or a small child whose parent is unconscious.

Change is on the way, however.

Voters can decide during the Nov. 5 election to provide an Enhanced 911 system—one that not only automatically identifies the address and location of an emergency call, but also provides the Wood River Valley’s dispatch centers with an instant map of where to direct police, fire or medical services to the site of the emergency.

In these days, when Americans are on constant alert and need the very best in emergency services for their security and well being, the so-called E-911 system is a must—and a bargain.

The cost for this security will average about $1 per month more on a telephone bill—three cents a day. The fee would not be assessed against cell phone numbers.

For the peace of mind that an advanced 911 provides, three cents a day is one of the few bargains around.

If approved by voters at election time, the $1 monthly fee for E-911 would become effective in January, 2003 and continue until July 2004, according to planners.

The obvious is worth repeating: The Enhanced 911 system would mean faster response times for emergencies without any directions from callers. In this rapidly growing area of new homes, providing emergency personnel with fast, accurate directions can mean the difference between life and death on medical calls, saving a dwelling from destruction by fire or rescuing a resident from harm at the hands of an intruder.

The system has been endorsed up and down the valley by various government entities, which have documented the shortfalls of the present, inadequate and antiquated 911 system.

We heartily recommend that voters approve the November ballot authorizing the E-911 system.

 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.