New emergency dispatch system could improve response times in Cole County

By Isabella Roberts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Monday evening, Jefferson City Council will meet to discuss a resolution that could improve emergency services response times in Cole County.

A new emergency dispatch system was put in place to be shared between both Jefferson City and Cole County. The system allows for the emergency dispatch center in Jefferson City to provide emergency communication services to the Cole County Sheriff's Department, Fire Protection District and EMS.

Before the system was put into place, people who called 911 would have to repeat their information at least twice, said Cole County EMS Chief Eric Hoy.

“What we’ve basically done is eliminated that duplication, so it really streamlines the process of dispatching EMS units because the caller doesn’t have to repeat their information to both communication centers," Hoy said.

With this new system, any emergency agency in Cole County has access to information, such as previous calls to that address or safety alerts. Hoy said that allows first responders to be much more situationally aware when on assignment.

Because this is a joint software system, there needs to be an understanding between the city and county, which is what could be approved at Monday's city council meeting. The system is in place and has been working for about a week.