TV Reporter Investigates Delays

A WBNS-TV reporter investigated why the response to several emergency incidents in Delaware County (Ohio) was delayed, possibly by slow dispatcher actions. The TV report told the story of a woman who dialed 911 to report her daughter was unconscious, and who called back when the EMS had not arrived for 30 minutes. On the logging tape the dispatcher is heard telling another dispatcher, “They have not arrived. Crap. I thought you dispatched Medic 10.” The reporter studied 470 incidents, and found that59% took more than 60 second to dispatch, and 30% took over 90 seconds. Interim 911 director Dave Cannon said CAD computer problems may have rendered the statistics unreliable. Read the TV station’s report and comments on the situation by former NENA president Bill Hinkle here.