Burke County Emergency
Services
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Using Computer Aided Dispatch |
Communications
Coordinator: Lisa Propst EMD
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On April 6th 2004, Burke County Emergency Services
implemented Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) to further enhance the 911 call
taking process.
CAD is a multi agency system linking the Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) to the Burke County Sheriff’s Department, Morganton Department of
Public Safety, and to the Valdese Police Department.
The utilization of shared data and pertinent incident information
provided by CAD not only strengthens working relationships among the various
public safety agencies, but also serves to improve scene security and safety
for response team members and for the public.
Whenever an emergency call is received, CAD simultaneously
extracts information from the 911 database thereby giving the call taker
necessary specifics used in incident dispatch.
An extremely important part of CAD is the Geographical Information
System (GIS) mapping coupled with computerized resource management which
operates to vastly increase the speed and efficiency of documentation,
dispatch, and incident disposition.
No technological upgrade however, can replace the vital role of
the individual calling 911.
Being an eye witness to a life threatening emergency can be a
horrifying ordeal; requesting medical assistance however, does not have to be a
frightful experience.
Calling 911 is not an act we tend to prepare for, much less
contemplate; but it is beneficial to understand the series of questions the telecommunicator is duty bound to ask. Burke County is
fortunate in that its’ enhanced 911 service operates using the Emergency
Medical Dispatch (EMD) system.
Upon receiving a 911 call, a certified EMD will gather
information, prioritize the situation, and furthermore dispatch the appropriate
units.
The EMD will initially ask the caller to indicate the exact
location of the sick or injured subject needing assistance.
A numerical street address, cross street, and/or any identifying
landmarks the caller can provide benefits the EMD and responding units in their
quest to accurately pinpoint the location. The caller will then be instructed
to give their phone number.
Although under normal calling conditions, the EMD has immediate
access to the caller’s number as it is displayed on the 911 screen; such
information though has to be confirmed as being correct. And with the ever increasing
popularity of wireless communication, it is of utmost importance that a caller
identify the number they are calling from.
The “Four Commandments” of EMD as defined by the Medical Priority
dispatch system include:
1)
Identifying
a chief complaint or incident type
2)
Ascertaining
the patient’s approximate age
3)
Determining
the patient’s status of consciousness, and
4)
Confirming
the patient’s breathing status.
The caller’s answers to the initial questions prompt the EMD to
select one of 33 cards identifying various chief complaints ranging from
abdominal pain to unknown problems. Contained on the chief complaint card is
another series of questions aimed at ascertaining the seriousness of the call.
The EMD gathered information warrants a code assignment, thus determining
the need for emergency or routine response.
Proper call dispatch relies heavily upon the caller’s patience and
knowledge concerning the patient.
It is the EMD’s job to ask the necessary questions, and likewise
the caller’s obligation to be as cooperative and helpful as possible.
Although emotions may tend to dominate a particular situation,
seconds count in saving lives; hence a hysterical caller can delay the arrival
of emergency personnel.
Emergency Medical Dispatch is also aimed at delivering pre-arrival
life saving instructions to the caller.
The EMD is trained in giving the caller directives on
administering CPR, aiding a choking victim, or assisting with childbirth.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of such
instructions depends largely on the caller’s willingness and patience to work
with the EMD in providing proper patient care. Oftentimes, given appropriate
pre-arrival instructions, a non-medically trained individual can save the life
of another.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week; life saving help is only a three
digit phone call away.