The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) has a team of public safety advisors focused on issues important to 9-1-1 and emergency communications. One of their most important roles is to proactively engage with the public safety community about how FirstNet can benefit emergency communications. Public safety’s voice is critical to the FirstNet experience and evolution of the network.
On December 10 from 2:30-4 p.m. ET, the 9-1-1/emergency communications team is hosting a nationwide webinar, the Emergency Communications Center and FirstNet. This event will help emergency communications center professionals learn more about FirstNet and have the opportunity to share feedback.
One topic the webinar will cover is how FirstNet provides interconnection for emergency communication centers (ECCs) and public safety answering points (PSAPs). The session will detail the path of a 9-1-1 call—from the public, into the ECC or PSAP, then out to the responder in the field.
The path of a 9-1-1 call
When someone dials 9-1-1, the voice call and data get to the ECC or PSAP in one of two ways, depending on local infrastructure. It is either delivered via a legacy analog 9-1-1 system or via a new digital Next Generation 9-1-1 system that operates on a network called the ESInet (emergency services internet-protocol network). These incoming calls come through the “front door” of the ECC or PSAP.
Once the call and data are in the front door, the call information is processed using multiple systems, including computer-aided dispatch (CAD), record management systems, and land-mobile radio.
This next step is where FirstNet has an important role to play. FirstNet is used to send data out the “back door” of the ECC or PSAP to police, fire, EMS, and other responders in the field. By providing a fast, secure connection, FirstNet delivers two-way communication from the ECC or PSAP to mobile devices in the field. As the nationwide public safety broadband network, FirstNet gives all first responders priority and preemption, designating them as the most important users on the network.
More sessions to learn about FirstNet and ECCs
In addition to the discussion on interconnection, attendees will get a FirstNet 101 overview and hear the results of the FirstNet Authority’s 2020 ECC survey.
Two current users of FirstNet—Jim Millsap, Fulton County (Georgia) Emergency Services; and Bob Finney, Collier County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office—will share how FirstNet enabled remote operations when their ECCs needed extra support.
The webinar will close with a question and answer session for all participants.
Join the webinar
To learn more about FirstNet, share your experiences, or get your questions answered, register for the Emergency Communications Center and FirstNet webinar on December 10 from 2:30-4 p.m. ET.
