If you have heard about emergency dispatchers in your city, you would also know a little about computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems. These are advanced systems utilized by dispatchers, 911 operators, and call-takers. They use this system to prioritize and record incident calls, identify the status and location of responders in the field, and effectively dispatch responder personnel. Such emergency responders in the field can receive messages initiated by CAD systems via their mobile data terminals, cell phones, and radios. Computer Aided Dispatch systems are also interlinked with a geographic information system, system for an automatic vehicle location, caller identification system, and a lot more.
When used properly, a CAD system works in tandem with multiple agencies and system interfaces or computer systems that serve law enforcement, fire, and EMS and provides communication across multiple agencies and jurisdiction.
Let us have a technology overview of this system.
A CAD system basically manages information from many other responder systems to better optimize the dispatch of responder personnel. The size and complexity of the CAD system are also determined by the needs and requirements of the agency and the existing systems that the agency and the existing systems the emergency response agency would like to integrate. CAD implementation revolves around installation of servers, computers, and software along with a connection to a variety of other existing systems. CAD systems are usually located in the central dispatch office or at a public safety unit.
With the support of dispatchers, CAD servers communicate with call center computers/phones, cell phones, and more. As a result, the dispatchers and field personnel can connect with multiple devices at the same time.
Operation through computer aided dispatch
Ideally, when a dispatcher receives a call, the CAD system displays the location of the caller, and the dispatcher can easily log additional information relevant to the incident. The dispatcher then contact the appropriate agency and the closest available responder who can reach out to the site to help the caller. The response status to the call in logged by the dispatcher from start to finish. There are logging recorders who can store information such as call time and duration for later retrieval.
A CAD system also provides information to the dispatch center, that includes:
*Log on and off times of emergency personnel
*Time stamping of the communication so happened.
*Recording case numbers of investigation
*Incident reports and archives
*Assignments of emergency personnel
CAD systems in emergency response have been here for a while but further advancements in CAD system software provide dispatchers with a more user-friendly CAD system. CAD system software advancements may include multi-color displays, touch-screen monitors, computer icons, and more in-depth and accurate information.
If you want to install computer aided dispatch in your emergency response, reach out to us.
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