PITTSBURGH — State leaders announced a major overhaul of Pennsylvania’s 911 system, and these changes could save people’s lives.
According to a news release, the current system is being upgraded to a “Next Generation 911” platform, which boosts the speed and accuracy of 911 call delivery, allows you to text “911” instead of just calling and adapts the system to work better with cellphones.
“Our 911 telecommunicators are the backbone of emergency services in Pennsylvania. This upgrade to our 911 system is another step in our commitment to enhancing public safety, saving lives and protecting our commonwealth now and for years to come,” said Gov. Tom Wolf in a news release.
The 7-year statewide upgrade project will be funded by the 911 surcharge on phone customers.
Related >>> Investigation exposes critical limitations of 911 emergency call system and cellphones
In September, Channel 11 told you about a West Mifflin woman had a deadly medical emergency at her home.
She called 911, but her Verizon phone pinged a T-Mobile tower. Because it was another carrier’s tower, and there was no number or location when the call came into the 911 center, dispatchers could not trace her location to send an ambulance.
Her husband found her unconscious when he returned home.
The new “Next Generation 911” will allow wireless callers to send images, videos and data. It will also provide a location even if a call jumps carriers.
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