USA provides 9-1-1 funding

Members of the United States House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced the LIFT America Act recently — an infrastructure Bill that includes US$15 billion for the deployment and implementation of next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) throughout the USA.

The NG9-1-1 provisions adhere to principles established by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) and its partners in the Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition, a broad group of national public safety organisations representing law enforcement, fire, EMS and 9-1-1. The NG9-1-1 portion contains a number of important measures in addition to the significant funding by achieving end-to-end NG9-1-1 capabilities for emergency communications centres nationwide.

When arriving on an emergency scene, regardless of which agency dispatches them, NG9-1-1 will allow 9-1-1 professionals and first responders to have real-time information including: voice communications, scene-specific information, computer aided dispatch notes, GIS information and other data.

APCO is a US member-driven association of communications professionals that provides leadership; influences public safety communications decisions of government and industry; promotes professional development; and fosters the development and use of technology for the benefit of the public.

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