In these
times,
E-911 a must
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.