When emergencies and disasters happen, every citizen with a cellphone is now part of the nationwide 911 emergency response network.
This is what Fire Superintendent Anthony Royo Arroyo, spokesperson and Chief, Public Information Service of the Bureau of Fire Protection, said regarding the unified 911 system that now accommodates cellular technology.
The Next Generation Advanced (NGA) technology launched in the country last September has changed the way emergency calls are placed from traditional landline-based systems to digital, IP-based networks. Upon full implementation, the infrastructure will seamlessly integrate responder’s smart devices into the nationwide system that enables not just voice calls, but also text, photo, and live video streaming.
“This is the impact of the technology provided by NGA 911 Philippines and the communication infrastructure provided by PLDT.”
According to Arroyo, the advanced technology has allowed BFP to suppress fires while they are still small and prevent them from turning into big disasters. Now that citizen vigilance can greatly help prevent the spread of fires, he requested the public to use their phones to first report fires to the BFP by calling 911 emergency hotline before posting fire videos on social media.
The BFP info chief also revealed that the system’s cutting-edge technology has enhanced the BFP’s emergency response capabilities. “Now the bureau doesn’t just fight fires anymore. We now provide technical rescues, respond to medical emergencies and hazardous material incidents (CBRN) reported through the Unified Emergency Hotline 911.”
The BFP is now the lead responder for these cases because “information moves much faster from callers to our responders”, according to Arroyo. “This is the impact of the technology provided by NGA 911 Philippines and the communication infrastructure provided by PLDT. Together with our trained personnel, they are the backbone of our 5-minute response goal that has already saved lives.”
Arroyo cited cases where the system proved to be life-saving. “A person in Caloocan called 911 to help a person in distress in Makati. Because the system relayed the info so fast, we reached their friend in time and the incident became a life-saving Intervention. Another case in Bulacan used the system’s geo-tagging capabilities to find the exact location of a caller in distress.”
“Last Christmas, we rescued 14 people trapped on a ride in an amusement park in Pasay City. The system also proved vital during a series of disasters, particularly the Davao earthquake and recent typhoons in Cebu and Cagayan,” Arroyo added.
“We now also use an Emergency Directory to send information to responders even in the most remote areas. A DILG directive requires all emergency clusters to respond to 911 calls. This makes our work faster and more organized.”
He noted that having just one number to dial makes things so much easier for the public. “People don’t have to memorize long, multiple numbers for local fire or police stations. In an emergency, they just dial 911.”
Arroyo mentioned BFP upgrades in the works to meet the features of the new system. Pilot-testing for the use of state-of-the-art Push-To-Talk over cellular radios and body-worn cameras has been done. These devices provide real-time video and situational updates to help responders during fire and rescue operations. Dispatchers will undergo medical and basic life support training that will equip them to give first aid instructions over the phone until responders arrive.
“We now also use an Emergency Directory to send information to responders even in the most remote areas.”
Additional fire stations with adequate personnel, fire trucks, and equipment will be built to meet the firefighting capability of the remaining 63 out of 1,642 cities and municipalities. Eleven command centers will be put up nationwide. More ambulances will be procured and more medical personnel will be trained to live up to the expanded role that the bureau now fulfills.
Recently the BFP created a new unit called the BFP Emergency Response and Communications Services (BERCS) to manage E911 operations and oversee the regional and satellite command centers across the country. This will ensure that the bureau meets the standards set by the E911 Commission headed by the DILG, Arroyo said.
