Technologies
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Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System
St. John’s EMS Communication Center has
developed a partnership with IPC (formerly GEO911) for an industry best CAD
system. The partnership began in 2000 with the purchase of new computer
equipment and software. The original system included the map-centric CAD and
now has grown to include such things as: automated alpha-paging, faxing,
printing, e-mailing of pre-specified incidents; web-based queries of the
system data; automated reporting systems via Crystal Reports™; location and
unit recommendation tools. Recent additions include the GEOViewer, a
real-time monitoring of the CAD system for remote/off-site users and System
Status Management (SSM) client and server tools.
Medical Priority Dispatch
System (ProQA™ Software)
The Communication Center utilizes a software
interface to transfer the information captured by the EMD in the ProQA™
software to the IPC(GEO911)™ CAD System.
The ProQA Emergency Dispatch Software Program
integrates the power of the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch™
Protocols with today's critical computer technologies. ProQA is designed to
assist dispatchers in quickly determining the appropriate response
determinant code for each case and can be programmed to clearly display the
response configuration specifically assigned to that code by local agency
authorities and individual centers.
ProQA then guides dispatchers in providing
all relevant Post-Dispatch and Pre-Arrival Instructions, as well as
important case completion information.
NENA Complaint E-911 Phone
System
The Communication Center uses the Zetron
Integrator E-911™ communications system which is capable of receiving
enhanced caller information available from certain 911 services. The phone
system connects 911 callers, seven (7) digit callers, toll free 800 lines,
hospital based PBX, and TTY/TTD callers with the Emergency Medical
Dispatchers.
Field Communication Systems
The Communication Center utilizes Zetron
Integrator Radio Dispatch™ consoles. These computer-based consoles allow the
dispatcher to operate a variety of communication devices from a single
screen.
The center communicates with ambulances and
helicopters with VHF, UHF and 800 MHz radios. Nextel™ phones are also
utilized to communicate between the crews. Many of the radio repeater sites
located in the rural communities are linked by utilizing state-of-the-art
voice over IP (VOIP) technology. The system utilizes an interface that
integrates the Nextel™ phones into the Zetron™ console.
Audio Recording Systems
Mercom™, a recorder and logger system
developed by Audiolog Systems was purchased in 2002. It records all radio
and phone traffic for the EMS Communication Center, as well as several other
departments located on St. John’s-Springfield main campus.