Putnam 911:The More Information,The Better

[Guest]

Why is it that their is a 30-60 second delay from tones to actual dispatch? Also why cant they gather more information than just an address or a reason, example being, I smell smoke in my basement, or something burning, which gets translated to a possible structure fire? I can imagine the callers get quite animated, but the more information we have the better we can respond.

[EJS1810 7]

Why don't you call there (845)225-4860 and ask?

[Oswegowind 17]

Smoke usually means fire, no? Maybe the CAD system is simplified so that there aren't a multitude of different codes to be entered generating different responses. How many different, do it there own way, fire departments exist in Putnam. If you were to have a CAD code such as "Inside Smoke" (which we have in Yonkers) it would have to have a specific type of response generated which would probably be different for each and every agency. So, since inside smoke would need a FULL ASSIGNMENT until investigated and figured out, the possible Structure Fire is fine, once again usually smoke means fire of some sort, contained or uncontained! You do nothing different for inside smoke as you do for fire, you get your gear on and presume there is fire since there is smoke, so how would you better prepare for this? Maybe you wouldn't go, cause the dispatcher said smoke only and not flames?

As for the delay between tones, I know that we, once again here in Yonkers, specifically wait a few moments after the tones are done sounding for the "trailers" (as they are known here) and Klaxton system finish sounding in the houses so that our transmission is then clear and can be heard correctly the first time. If a dispatcher began to speak immediately after the tones went out, you may miss the first few words because you pager was still beeping! Not everyone keeps their pager on their belt 24/7, we have to assume that it may be in another room and you have to get to it, giving everyone a fair shake at hearing the alarm and getting sufficient manpower is important. It is really annoying when people call the 911 center asking where the job is cause they missed the dispatch, so a little delay gives everyone time to prepare and listen, lets the buffiness wear off a little!

Neither of these issues you raise are specific to Putnam 911, they are basic dispatcher duties, some places simplify their CAD systems so that the response agencies aren't left confused day in and day out by who is to respond since in the Vollie systems, the dispatcher airs the alarm and does not dispatch individuals companies to each job. In the Cities, they have more enhanced dispatch information codes and more prepared responses and companies are sent individually even in groups.

[Guest]

Great info. But as for CAD and Put 911 the response policies are all based on the local depts. They just let the fire dept's know that they have a condition an address and a somewhat cross street. Sometimes the cross streets are miles from the actual address. Its 2008, we have to be ahead of the game, right?

[PC_420 28]

We would be happy to be warm and fuzzy and give you a tour about how communications actually works in the real world. But since you live in 'Cupcake, NY' I think you are out of our jurisdiction, and our reality.

Edited January 2, 2008 by PC_420

[Oswegowind 17]

That is my point, each and every department has their own response procedures, however, smoke inside a house or a burning odor should generate the same response as an actual, visible, flame producing, out the roof fire!

It is much less confusing to the however many responders if it is generalized, such as "possible" structure fire, since the dispatcher doesn't drive over there first to see what is really happening! Your opinion is shaded by what, I don't know, but until you either are or have been a dispatcher you will not understand why it is that we do what we do.

As well, if the cross streets are wrong, go out there and find out why! Maybe what you thought was the closest cross street is a private (named) road and as a result does not actually have a town/permanent record. If this is the case or the street is just not in there, re-do your individual response area maps and provide them to the 911 center appropriately. Include things such as closest hydrant, or available water supply to tankers if necessary. If you think you can make it better than do so. There are also some places that use the closest major roadway as cross streets because not everyone in the district may know where Emtbravo Pl is located along xyz street cause it is a small roadway.