INDUSTRY NEWS
SIDEBARS:
New System Speeds EMS
Dispatch in Kansas City
Sidwell Contract in Illinois
DeWitt County, Ill., awarded a contract to the Sidwell Co. for the implementation of a GIS and a 9-1-1 mapping support system. GIS support for a countywide 9-1-1 emergency response dispatch operation is to be provided through Sidwell-developed application software and database integration, and will utilize digital orthophotography from an under-development countywide GIS. Sidwell's 9-1-1 emergency response dispatch application is designed to provide map information to dispatchers to help them quickly and accurately identify ground locations of emergencies, and communicate site or route information to emergency call responders.
Cerulean Technology Teams with Ericsson Private Radio Systems
Cerulean Technology Inc. teamed with Ericsson Private Radio Systems to offer public safety agencies a state-of-the-art wireless mobile information solution that provides police officers with critical information on vehicles and their owners. Officer and public safety is improved by enabling real-time silent communication between police headquarters and mobile units for quick back-up. This teamed technology will combine Cerulean's award-winning PacketCluster® Patrol wireless mobile information software with Ericsson's critical communications systems.
"Cerulean's best-in-class public safety software solutions are strengthened by alliances with communications innovators such as Ericsson Private Radio Systems," said Cerulean President and CEO Robert P. Badavas. "Working with a partner who shares our wireless mobile information technology vision allows us to leverage our respective expertise. We believe suppliers are obligated to bring open architected, standards-based solutions to market. This is the essence of Cerulean's alliance with Ericsson."
Software Corp. of America and GTE take a "Byte out of Crime"
Software Corporation of America (SCA) and GTE Wireless have allied themselves with the Metro Nashville-Davidson county, TN Police Department to take a high tech "byte" out of crime. SCA's Premier MDT software and GTE's Wireless Packet Data network is providing 100 detectives and field officers fast access to critical information about suspects and stolen vehicles where and when they need it most. The phased implementation was supported by a Edward Byrne Memorial Grant and a Federal Law Enforcement Block Grant.
Using "ruggedized" lap-top computers in their vehicles, officers are able to access criminal databases and other critical information within seconds, eliminating the need to process inquiries through a central dispatcher. "On busy nights, officers can spend 20 minutes waiting for information from the dispatcher," said Lt. Ken Pence of the Police Department's Planning Section. "Now we have the information we need within seconds."
GTE's cellular network utilizes Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) technology, which provides encryption over the air, is the backbone of the new system. The network also provides silent and secure car to car and car to dispatch messaging using wireless Internet Protocol.
In Phase II of the roll out, SCC will integrate its CAD with SCA's Premier MDT software which will improve the coordination of police, fire and emergency medical services, ultimately speeding the dispatch function throughout the metropolitan Nashville area.
American TriTech's Law CAD
American TriTech has completed development of a CAD system specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of law enforcement dispatch. Designed to be the most comprehensive law enforcement CAD available, the system incorporates vehicle routing, high-resolution integrated mapping functionality, comprehensive graphical reports, and full multi-agency support. The most powerful function of VisiCAD for Law Enforcement is the AVL equipped, high resolution maps. Dispatchers can quickly and easily dispatch units by simply dragging the unit to the incident area. The map-based utilities allow users to modify their beat in minutes instead of days. This design translates into shorter training cycles, more efficient use of resources, and more effective protection of lives and property.
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New System Speeds EMS Dispatch in Kansas City Kansas City's Metropolitian Ambulance Services Trust (MAST) has completed installation of its new, wide-area radio communications network. The system, supplied by Motorola, was designed specifically for the emergency medical services provider's needs and will allow dispatchers to alert crews to 9-1-1 calls much more quickly than before. With the new system, dispatchers at the control center can automatically locate ambulances anywhere in the region, determine the closest one able to respond to an emergency call, dispatch them more quickly and track their response time. "The goals of our communications system upgrade were improved patient service and more efficient use of our resources," said Jim Jones, associate director of MAST. Jones explained that MAST teamed up with Motorola to create a private communications network, meaning that MAST does not share its radio frequencies with any other agency or wireless service. The new system uses seven transmit-and-receive sites, compared to the current system's one site. MAST's system uses simulcast technology, meaning that all sites simultaneously broadcast and receive the radio signal, enhancing radio coverage throughout the region. The paramedics, EMTs, and supervisors who work for MAST through Emergency Providers, Inc., carry portable two-way radios and alphanumeric pagers which have customized features. When a 9-1-1 call comes into MAST communications center, the MAST dispatcher can automatically alert ambulance crews while taking information on the nature of the emergency. This feature saves valuable time by allowing those answering the 9-1-1 call to get an ambulance rolling immediately. Additional information can then be relayed to a mobile data terminal in the vehicle. In addition, the radio's dual control head permits hands-free operation while attending patients. |
TRANSITIONS
We are very sorry to report the death of J. Ross Sherohman, whose long-time career in public safety and 9-1-1 emergency services was well-known to the Texas public safety family as well as to many APCO and NENA members. Ross began his career with the Harris County Sheriff's Department in Texas. He went on to hold important positiolns at the Nacogdoches Sheriff's Department and Department of Public Safety, Deep East Texas Council of Government, the Texas Advisory Commission on State Emergency Communications, and the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Ross was also an active member of 9-1-1 Magazine's Editorial Advisory Board for many years. In an eloquent tribute to Ross in the November APCO Bulletin, Toni Dunne noted that Ross "strongly believed that education is the key toward providing the public with quality services in the field of emergency communciations." We certainly found that to be true in his involvement with 9-1-1 Magazine. Ross was among the warmest and most helpful members of our public safety family, and his involvement in this community will be sorely missed. Randall D. Larson
Plant Equipment, Inc., (PEI) has named Larry Matteson as project manager in PEI's growing software development division. Matteson's primary focus will be directing the continued evolution of VESTA. Matteson was formerly a project manager in software development for San Diego-based Jostens Learning Corporation.
Cerulean Technology, Inc. appointed William Reich, a high-tech professional with more than 20 years of sales management expertise, as its vice president of sales, and Janet Hart, an executive with more than 15 years of human resources management experience, as its vice president of human resources. Reich will lead the Cerulean sales team's efforts to install the company's mobile information software solutions. Hart will grow Cerulean's staff and strengthen the leadership team.
