Critical Issues to Address in Our Emergency Response Systems

In light of recent tragic news, including the heartbreaking incident at Apalachee High School, the educational community is grappling with urgent questions about the effectiveness of emergency response systems in schools. It’s worth acknowledging and applauding any school that has put a panic button solution or emergency management system in place to improve communication capabilities during these horrible events. That being said, it is also important that we all reflect on these events and examine how current technologies are functioning— considering what steps we can take to help save more lives in similar situations.

Two primary questions have emerged from recent discussions:

• At Apalachee High, how effective were panic buttons when a 911 call was made 2 minutes before their delayed alert was processed?

• Are non-call 911 alerts reliable and fast enough for life-saving measures to be implemented?

To address these concerns, we need to examine both the limitations of silent / non-call 911 alerts and the unique advantages of their alternatives.

The Limitations of Non-Call 911 Alert Systems

Many schools have implemented panic button systems as part of their emergency response protocols. Still, not all of these systems provide a direct phone call-based connection to 911 emergency services. This disconnect can lead to several serious dilemmas:

1. Delayed Processing: Systems that rely on third-party digital reports or non-verbal alerts are susceptible to experiencing delays in processing and relaying information to emergency responders. 911 centers are primarily designed and optimized to handle voice calls, allowing for immediate assessment and response to emergencies. If the emergency information relies on a “pull” rather than a “push” to retrieve all relevant information and a phone call is not placed, there may be a delay before the center notices or processes the information.  
2. Lack of Real-Time Threat Assessment: 911 operators are trained to assess and respond to emergencies in real time. They can ask critical questions, provide immediate instructions, and make split-second decisions based on the information they receive. Text-based or non-verbal alert systems may miss details that could be communicated during a live call.
3. Inefficient Routing of Information: When panic buttons or other alert systems contact local police directly instead of going through 911, they bypass the centralized dispatch system. This can result in slower overall response times and less coordinated efforts among various emergency services.
4. Information Overload: In crisis situations, multiple people may attempt to address the same incident, potentially overwhelming local emergency services. Without a system that creates instant awareness amongst all those involved that a call to 911 has already been placed, many redundant calls will create inefficiency and lost time both on-site and at the 911 center.  

The Advantages of Direct e911 Connectivity

To address these challenges, direct e911-based call connectivity to 911 offers a more efficient and effective approach to emergency response in schools:

1. Immediate Access to Trained Professionals: 911 operators are specifically trained to handle emergency situations. They can quickly assess the severity of the situation and dispatch appropriate resources.
2. Real-Time Communication: A direct call allows for a proven, reliable response, with two-way communication, enabling the caller to provide details and receive immediate guidance.
3. Precise Location Information: Modern 911 systems can often pinpoint the exact location of a call, even including the indoor location of the caller, which is advantageous in large school campuses or during off-site school events.
4. Coordinated Response: 911 centers have the ability to handle multiple emergency services simultaneously, ensuring a coordinated response to complex situations.
5. Reduced Risk of Miscommunication: Direct verbal communication minimizes the risk of misinterpretation that can occur with systems built on solely text-based or button-press alerts.

Enhancing Emergency Response with Integrated Systems

While direct 911 connectivity is undoubtedly important, it's just one part of a comprehensive emergency response strategy. Advanced emergency management systems can complement this direct connection by offering additional features that enhance overall safety:

• Automatic Notifications: Systems that can automatically alert key personnel when a 911 call is placed, creating immediate and widespread situational awareness among staff.
• Indoor Location Tracking: Technology that provides precise location data within large school campuses, helping first responders navigate quickly to the exact location of an emergency.
• Geofencing Capabilities: Features that extend protection beyond campus boundaries, ensuring safety during off-site school events.
• Integration with Existing Security Infrastructure: Seamless connection with established reporting systems, surveillance cameras, and access control systems for a more coordinated response.
• Wifi Redundancy: If a school's Wi-Fi network fails or becomes unavailable, such a system can automatically switch to cellular networks. Alerts can then always be transmitted, regardless of local network conditions.

One system that effectively incorporates all these capabilities is STOPit Notify, with its 911+ feature. This platform is designed to work with direct 911 connectivity, providing schools with an all-encompassing safety solution. Aside from all the functions listed above, this technology further provides two other unique advantages:

• Jurisdictional Accuracy: Notify’s 911+ technology offers the ability to route calls with pinpoint accuracy and at the user’s control.  Unlike traditional cell phone calls that rely on tower locations, which can be imprecise, 911+ uses detailed jurisdictional maps to ensure that calls are always directed to the correct 911 center. This is particularly important in areas where school district boundaries may cross multiple emergency response jurisdictions.  

• Location Controls:  911+ enables the reporter to use either their own location or the location of the emergency, which could be in an entirely different city or state, to dynamically route the call to the correct call center. Additionally, this allows for delivery of the correct address that’s experiencing the emergency, even if the reporter is not on-site.

• Simultaneous Texting: With 911+, the caller can simultaneously speak with the 911 operator while texting with their internal responder teams using the STOPit Notify mobile app.  This is done simply by pressing the minimize button on the call with 911 which gives access to the full emergency stream for chat and incident management functions including location tracking, plan distribution, mass notifications, and more.

• Integrated Wearable Panic Buttons: These buttons enable staff to quickly and discreetly alert authorities from anywhere on campus. Through compact, durable devices worn on lanyards or attached to clothing, reporting has never been easier.

A Call for Comprehensive & Proactive Solutions

Recent tragic events serve as a somber reminder of our need for efficient, accurate, and integrated emergency response systems in every school. While no technology can prevent all tragedies, solutions that provide direct 911 connectivity, combined with advanced safety features, can significantly improve response times and work to save lives.

In honoring the memory of those lost in recent tragedies, we must commit to taking meaningful steps to prevent future incidents. Let us approach this task with the reverence and dedication it deserves, always keeping in mind that the safety of our children is our highest priority.