Sometimes I keep my mouth shut and just listen. It is amazing what you can learn.
Today I learned that the Eaton County 9-1-1 system is computerized (no surprise there) and that every address had a pre-defined "record" associated with it. The record has fields for "Where is key for emergency access stored?" "Pets", "Hazards", "Where is meds-list allergy info stored" and so-on. The 9-1-1 dispatcher has encrypted channels they can use to alert the responders as to where you store your outside-key without every yahoo with a scanner learning about it.
As we age and our health begins that downward roller-coaster ride, we become "frequent fliers" and first responders start populating those fields. They are particularly keen on knowing how to get into the building without breaking anything (or straining their backs) and whether there are potentially dangerous animals (Not just dogs, it could be bulls or horses or billy-goats or geese or roosters) or rotten porches they should not walk on.
The main point one of the speakers was attempting to make is that we can contact our 9-1-1 administrator and they will be THRILLED to enter that information into the system before you need the first responders. So even if you are not capable of speaking to the 9-1-1 operator but can press your first-alert button...the dudes and dudettes who show up can safely-and-swiftly get in and render aid.
It was my impression that photos can be included in the records but they currently do not have a way to sending the photo to the first responders.
:“They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Benjamin Franklin
ReplyDelete“The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.” Aung San Suu Kyi
I am a Libertarian on this item. If a person with a history of strokes or extreme osteoporosis wants to expedite first responder response by making that information available to the 9-1-1 system, then who am I to discourage them?
DeleteAll of that only works 'if' the cars have updated systems in them. If they are still on MDTs, none of that is possible, other than by voice.
ReplyDeleteYou can also enquire if they support 'Knox Boxes'. Think the boxes Realators use to show Houses. It contains a key to your House and the responders have a Key to the Box. Some agencies have programs that supply them to elderly households for free.
ReplyDelete