Strathcona County recognizes the voices behind 9-1-1 calls

Strathcona County is proud to celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 9 to 15. This week honours the unsung heroes who answer thousands of emergency calls, provide initial life-saving assistance to 9-1-1 callers and dispatch emergency professionals and equipment.

The Telecommunications Operators in Strathcona County RCMP and Enforcement Services and Emergency Communications Operators in Emergency Services, have dedicated their lives to help keep the community safe. Every day, these staff are required to handle the unexpected, often under stressful conditions using only their voices. 

“Behind every 9-1-1 call, is an Operator who provides care, compassion and calmness during very difficult situations. They play a critical role in assisting callers through the first moments of an emergency until other first responders arrive on scene. We are very proud and grateful for the service they provide,” says Mayor Rod Frank.

These professionals are responsible for not only getting emergency professionals and equipment to the scene, they also continue to play a critical safety role throughout the incident. The Emergency Communications Centre in Emergency Services is designated as a Public Safety Answering Point which provides 9-1-1 call answer and fire dispatch services for many other communities across Alberta.

Over the next year, new Next Generation 9-1-1 technology will be launched across Canada. The new system will allow for better geotargeting when callers dial 9-1-1 from a cell phone. Geotargeting provides 9-1-1 staff with more accurate location information. Eventually it will allow additional ways for callers to contact 9-1-1, including text and video calls.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held annually during the second week of April.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595