Philly’s NG9-1-1 improves emergency response

Airbus DS Communications, a Public Safety communications provider in North America, has recently migrated Philadelphia’s emergency response network to the VESTA 9-1-1 Call Handling system. 

The new system lays the groundwork for the city to transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) technology and accept new forms of emergency requests from its citizens. 

For 11 years, Philadelphia has relied on Airbus DS Communications solutions to help keep its community of 1.5 million residents safe. The company’s 9-1-1 technologies have been deployed in the city‘s four Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), which host a total of 125 positions – 40 positions within the main PSAP, 47 in the backup center, 15 in the training center, and 23 positions situated at the Philadelphia Fire Department. A thorough plan has recently been executed to roll-out the new system and maintain the robust and reliable 9-1-1 program.

The geodiverse system allows Philadelphia to have a two-host system for total redundancy and confidence in providing 9-1-1 service. This means, should one system host be rendered inoperable,the other host system automatically takes over to ensure 9-1-1 service is not interrupted. In addition, the system is built for expansion so the city can easily add positions, as needed. Redundancy and flexibility were two critical aspects city officials considered in its timely move to a NG9-1-1 solution. 

“We commend Philadelphia for its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all who live in or visit the City of Brotherly Love,” said Ken Shuler, Senior Regional Account Manager at Airbus DS Communications. “Adopting new technology in an environment as dynamic as a 9-1-1 call center is always challenging. The Philadelphia team came together to manage this transition seamlessly, executing one of the smoothest cutovers we have seen.”

With the new system, Philadelphia can now easily evolve with the latest NG9-1-1 technology. The solution was built with an IP-based architecture and offers a verstaile design so that they city can adopt new features such as text-to-9-1-1 when ready. 

“By providing the latest technology and expertise, we are equipping PSAPs with the tools and resources they need to serve their cities now and well into the future,” added Shuler. “We look forward to helping future communities like the city of Philadelphia transition to this new age of public safety. ”

Airbus DM Communications: www.airbus-dscomm.com

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