2024 026 RESOLUTION - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2.3 ESINet An Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network (ESINet) is a network capable of receiving and relaying emergency calls, texts and other forms of media to PSAPs. As of the date of this plan, the State of Ohio is in the planning stages of implementing a statewide ESINet. In Ohio, nearly twelve million 9-1-1 calls are made each year by residents and visitors. The legacy 9-1-1 system, although once highly effective, is often incapable of transferring data and location information. Today's modern communications devices utilize protocols that are incompatible with legacy 9-1-1. Additionally, current 9-1-1 infrastructure is inadequate to support even modest increases in bandwidth. In order to maintain a high level of service, Ohio's future 9-1-1 systems must be capable of accepting "calls" from any communication device. Most Ohio PSAPs are not equipped to accept or respond to calls from large segments of the population who utilize the over- expanding spectrum of communications devices. In addition, some of the key infrastructure on which the legacy system depends is aging and will become progressively vulnerable if it is not maintained, upgraded or replaced by newer, more resilient technology. For these reasons, the Ohio General Assembly recognized the importance of transitioning to NG9-1-1 system that uses an Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network to deliver and process 9-1-1 traffic. As the State of Ohio moves closer to implementing statewide NG9-1-1, the County will work to devise a long-term plan for implementation while being cognizant of the needs for the daily operations and any additional impacts a NG9-1-1 environment will have on infrastructure, policies, call routing and training. We will partner with our chosen call handling equipment (CHE) vendor, local exchange carriers, Internet service providers and wireless carriers to assist with a successful transition to NG9-1-1. The increase in data that will be available to PSAPs will likely result in PSAP staff needing additional skill sets that may be overlooked in today's 9-1-1 environment. The County will work closely with PSAP's help prepare for upcoming changes. PSAP managers should be prepared to deal with telecommunicators now having the ability to view photos and/or videos of an incident that may be disturbing. And lastly, we will keep stakeholders informed about project tasks and milestones, and any possible impacts that can be expected throughout the transition. The NG9-1-1 PSAP environment, from new technology, capabilities and job skill requirements, may potentially create a more stressful work environment for 9-1-1 professionals. PSAP mahagers should be aware of this and the need to ensure that best practices regarding training, staffing and wellness programs are understood and followed. In an integrated NG9-1-1 environment, it will be more likely that calls are routed to alternate PSAPs, which may impact the ability of telecommunicators to interact in the same localized manner with callers. PSAP managers should be aware of this and work with their personnel to provide the appropriate support to minimize any negative impacts to call processing for those emergency calls which are answered by an alternate PSAP. 20