The future of 911 emergency response is becoming a hot topic for residents of Owensboro and Daviess county.
On Wednesday, the Owensboro-Daviess County 911 oversight committee adopted the recommended 2021 fiscal year budget, which includes a $10,000 request for a “911eye” system.
“It’s a next-generation technology that allows us to send a link through text to a cell phone,” said Paul Nave, 911 center director. “They can click on that link, and it opens up the ability for us to locate them more efficiently.”
The system essentially allows dispatchers to pinpoint the exact location of the emergency as well as to give first responders eyes on the scene even before they arrive.
The system also gives people calling 911 the ability to share photos, videos and live-stream views to the dispatch center.
“Maybe they’re (from) out-of-town or they’re disoriented” and don’t know where they are, Nav said. “We can help them.”
The dispatch center last week implemented an automated dispatch system that should shorten arrival times for first responders, which Nave said was part of a larger technology upgrade taking place in the next 12 to 15 months.
The budget will go to the Owensboro City Commission and Daviess Fiscal Court for approval.
“We’re just trying to use any tool that’s available to try and help someone out in an emergency,” Nave said.
