The session began with 9-1-1 directors from across the country sharing examples of the lifesaving work performed by the dedicated 9-1-1 professionals in their centers, such as instructing callers through CPR or coaching callers and providing first aid during an active shooter incident, including the 2012 shooting that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary.

The panelists then discussed the need for advanced, interoperable technologies for 9-1-1 that are efficient and easy to use.  They emphasized the importance of working closely with vendors and policymakers to ensure that 9-1-1 professionals have the resources and technologies they need, noting the need for a uniform, nationwide deployment of NG9-1-1 in order to avoid there being “haves” and “have-nots.” Centers across the country need access to technology and training for an advanced, broadband-enabled, emergency communications solution.

The 9-1-1 directors also discussed a number of challenges that 9-1-1 centers currently face and will face in the future. For example, one challenge is changing policymakers’ and the public’s perception of the work performed by 9-1-1 professionals – that they are a protective service rather than administrative or clerical workers, and that the profession is a career, not simply a job. Other challenges include the lack of adequate funding for 9-1-1, determining how to manage the influx of data that new technologies will create, how to train and prepare staff for the graphic images and videos that will be delivered with calls in a next-gen environment, and how to ensure the vendor community is implementing interoperable NG9-1-1 systems that meet the needs of 9-1-1 centers.