Anne Arundel Country announced they recently launched a new 911 system that will help first responders become more efficient.
“We need to ensure our first responders have the best equipment available as they work to protect every citizen of Anne Arundel County,” said County Executive Steve Schuh. “The system upgrade is another step in our efforts to ensure we have the best public safety infrastructure in the State of Maryland.”
Before the upgrade, Police and Fire Departments in the county had been using a dispatch system from the early 1990's. This system was limited in its capabilities, and officials are expecting this new system will reduce response times and help more people.
"The Automatic Vehicle Location component of the new system will increase efficiency and reduce response times by recognizing and recommending in real time the closest fire and EMS units dispatch to an emergency,” said Chief Allan Graves. “The system will also allow enhancements to public safety with its ability to integrate other current technology like PulsePoint, a smartphone application that notifies citizens of a patient needing CPR near their location."
The new system cost $2.2 million and was funded through the JumpStart Anne Arundel capital project financing program.
