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Emergency response E-911 system receives upgrade

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Shaw Emergency Communications Center Airmen received an upgrade to their Enhanced 911 system July 12-14, as part of an Air Force-wide update.

The Shaw E-911 system allows emergency responders to pinpoint the location of 911 calls from base facilities, which Tech. Sgt. Trey Sanders, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron ECC NCO in charge, said greatly reduces response time.

“Time is everything,” said Sanders. “It’s the difference between life and death. It’s the difference between a fire completely consuming a facility and our guys getting there before it even gets past the incipient phase.”

The system update included adding more memory space, condensing wiring, and updating the server and software, which increased the system’s speed, security and its ability to operate through a malfunction.

“The upgrade is important, ultimately, so our equipment remains in compliance with Defense Department security standards and we stay up to date with how things are done in the industry,” said Staff Sgt. David Mosley, 20th Communications Squadron project manager. “We don’t want old equipment that can’t keep up with new technology changes.”

The software updates will allow ECC Airmen to easily transfer and listen-in on emergency calls between the firefighters and security forces individuals in the ECC. The Airmen will also have contact information, standard operating guides and emergency action checklists available in a digital format, making the knowledge more accessible.

In a situation where time is critical, the E-911 system will continue to help individuals across the base receive the help they need, ensuring that Airmen are safe and the mission continues.