The British Columbia government is investing $150-million to upgrade its emergency communication system, an effort to ensure people across the province can more easily get in touch with a 911 operator.
During the deadly heat wave of 2021, callers to 911 were left on hold, sometimes for hours, or were unable to get through at all. Others had to stay on the line as 911 operators attempted to dispatch emergency personnel who were in short supply. Some 600 people died from the heat. Mr. Farnworth said the improved system, which is countrywide, will allow people to communicate with 911 operators through new options, including real-time texting and sharing caller locations. It enables the transmission of data, such as images and videos. These upgrades will provide first responders with more information about the situation they need to deal with and prepare them to offer safer and quicker emergency responses.
Mr. Farnworth said the province’s $150-million investment will be divided into two parts: $90-million will be provided to E-Comm to fund technological upgrades, and another $60-million will go to the Union of B.C. Municipalities to defray costs for this transition, such as staffing, training, quality assurance and implementation.
No ambulances to help you though…