911 Software Your Communications Center Needs 

911 software allows for end-to-end management of emergencies, streamlining everything from alerting the public to dispatching first responders. These solutions not only facilitate immediate response but also improve data management, resource allocation, and overall communications. The best 911 software solutions integrate multiple capabilities within one system, like the ProQA® software from Priority Dispatch®. 

Here are just a few types of 911 software that you may need to invest in for your communications center.

Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Software 

This type of software guides Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) through the calltaking and dispatch process. The industry standard for EMD software is ProQA®, which is the flagship product of Priority Dispatch™, the only company licensed to use the evidence-based protocols established by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch™ (IAED®). 

The protocols in ProQA® have been time-tested and established over millions of calls across thousands of dispatch centers, meaning they are the best responses given our current knowledge of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) landscape. 

 With ProQA®, you can rest assured that every call will be handled with the utmost care and quality, whether the calltaker is brand new or a seasoned veteran. 

Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Software

CAD systems allow EMDs to manage incoming emergency calls, assign resources, and track the real-time status of first responders. CAD systems help streamline the entire emergency response process, improving communication and response times. ProQA® integrates with most industry CADs. Check here to see if it integrates with your CAD. 

ANI/ALI Software

Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and Automatic Location Identification (ALI) software work together to provide EMDs with critical caller information. ANI retrieves the caller’s phone number while ALI provides the corresponding address. This information speeds up the verification process for calltakers, helping maintain fast and efficient dispatch. 

Police Dispatch Systems 

Specialized software for police calltaking centers provides custom protocols tailored to law enforcement. The industry standard for police dispatch is Police Priority Dispatch System™ (PPDS®), which is now more flexible than ever. 

With over 290 Jurisdictionally Approved Questions and Instructions that can be turned on or off in ProQA®, law enforcement offices can set the standards they want to keep. PPDS® also utilizes OMEGA Determinants (non-emergency response modes) to save valuable police time and resources, preventing burnout and improving staff retention. 

Fire Dispatch Systems 

Like police, fire departments have special needs that must be reflected in customized response systems. With Fire Priority Dispatch System™ (FPDS®), your communications center can guide Emergency Fire Dispatchers (EFDs) through protocols for sinking vessels, wildfires, and more. 

Recognized as the world’s most comprehensive fire-rescue call handling system, FPDS® equips EFDs with Pre-Arrival and Post-Dispatch Instructions, enabling them to provide lifesaving guidance to callers while firefighters are en route. The top three priorities of FPDS® are saving lives, conserving property, and stabilizing incidents.

 Emergency Nurse Triage Systems 

Not every emergency needs an ambulance. Research shows that 15-20% of medical calls coming into Emergency Communications Centers can be referred to a secondary nurse triage system. Without a system in place to handle these calls, they can eat up valuable time and resources that might be better used elsewhere. 

Priority Solutions™ LowCode software is your solution to handling this influx through a secondary nurse triage system. LowCode™ is a clinical decision support software program containing a base set of research-based and clinically proven protocols. It can help optimize your center resources, minimize liability, and improve patient care. 

Mass Alerting Software 

Mass alerting systems quickly notify large groups of people during emergencies, such as natural disasters, active shooter incidents, hazardous material spills, and more. They are often used by governments, institutions, and schools to alert a database of users. Mass alerting systems allow your communications center to send real-time alerts through multiple channels, including text, email, voice messages, social media, and more.  

The Bottom Line 

If you’re looking for the best 911 software, the first step is to identify your needs. Whether you need a system to improve your dispatch center operations, send out mass alerts, or something else, there is software that can help. Luckily, the Priority Dispatch™ ProQA® software integrates with several other technologies to meet as many of your needs as possible.  

If you haven’t had the chance to use ProQA® in your dispatch center yet, don’t forget to schedule your live demo today.