As a 911 dispatcher, the traditional process was not straight forward as it is today. Dispatchers would pick a critical call’s information, return number, caller’s name, and the basic details of what was happening. The dispatcher would then broadcast this to a wide range of units within the specific area for them to respond. This lengthy process and its inefficiency increased the cost of care healthcare services provided to its consumers (Farid, 2019). However, as technology evolves, the dispatcher services have evolved too and thus have made the job of a 911 dispatcher more effective and efficient. This study will analyze how technological services have impacted the cost of healthcare for the 911 dispatcher.
One technological advancement that has increased the efficiency of 911 dispatchers is the availability of a common database. When every agent can look at another agency’s information, it becomes more efficient to respond. In the past, the responders did not have computers that would provide such information; however, with technological advancements, they can access data from their portable computers. This has helped to create trust between the 911 dispatcher and responder in the information relayed (Farid, 2019). In addition, this puts the dispatcher in a more active role whereby they can direct multiple incident reports simultaneously by providing background information to responders. This has been aided by the computer-aided dispatch tools, which have made communication technology between the 911 dispatcher and respondents closer.
Americans have a right to have a consistent 911 service regardless of location using the next generation 911. This has been made possible by computer-aided dispatch and GIS maps. Since almost all Americans have a smartphone, they expect that 911 responders can automatically detect their location. The computer-aided dispatcher system has been integrated with a geographic information system to show the caller’s exact location when an ambulance is dispatched. In addition, this technology helps the 911 dispatcher to identify the closest resources and direct the quick responders in real-time, making the service more efficient (Farid, 2019). This has enabled 911 dispatchers to be more effective and efficient in service delivery.
The other technological advancement allows customers to send video images directly to the 911 dispatchers. Videos mages provide a quality and reliable asset for healthcare providers to determine the extent or seriousness of an emergency (Farid, 2019). Thus, 911 dispatchers can request their clients to send live videos in case of an emergency so that they can provide more direct help as they wait for responders to arrive on the scene. This is most important in critical care conditions or when natural disasters occur.
The advancement of these technologies in the 911 dispatcher services has significantly impacted the cost of healthcare in the US. The ability of 911 dispatchers to use a common database, geographical information systems, and video technology in reporting and responding to patient emergencies has made the responders more efficient and effective. For instance, in the case of stroke patients, where the period between the attack and the time insulin is provided to the patient is critical, such technologies help ensure that responders arrive at the exact location. In addition, real-time GPS ensures that healthcare first responders can access the nearest facilities using the shortest route possible, which hinders disease advancement (Farid, 2019). This shows that 911 dispatcher technologies have had a significant impact on the costs of healthcare indirectly.
Reference
Farid, S. F. (2019). Conceptual Framework of the Impact of Health Technology on Healthcare System. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10(3), 933.