The province is honouring 911 call takers, who provide a life-saving link to emergency services, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week, which runs until April 18.
When an emergency occurs, prompt response from police, fire and ambulance is critical to the protection of life and property.
911 call takers help ensure a prompt and accurate emergency response through the collection of vital information, including the nature of the call and location.
“911 call takers work behind the scene and are the first and most critical contact Nova Scotians have with emergency services,” said Mark Furey, Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office. “This week is an opportunity for us all to thank Nova Scotia’s 911 call takers for their hard work, compassion and dedication on our behalf.”
From an initial call to 911 through to the dispatch of emergency responders, these skilled professionals are a key link in the provision of emergency services. There are 180 call takers who handle about 240,000 calls per year.
“911 call takers are the unsung heroes in the response to public safety in our communities,” said Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Peter McIsaac. “They answer thousands of calls and work tirelessly to connect citizens and first responders, providing vital support when it’s needed most.”
The Emergency Management Office administers the provincewide 911 emergency service. The four public safety answering points in Nova Scotia are in Dartmouth, Sydney, Truro and Kentville.
For more information on 911, visit http://novascotia.ca/dma/emo/911/ .
Source: Release