Kudos to Black Hawk County, Iowa officials for bringing potentially life-saving technology to its residents.
Folks in eastern Iowa can now report emergencies to 911 dispatchers via text message, USA Today reports on its Web site.
The service, which is the first in the nation, will undoubtedly save lives.
Tech Talk recently wrote about a local mother of two young girls who begged a friend for help over a series of text messages — she feared her attacker would locate her if she spoke to a 911 operator. Perhaps her two daughters would still have their mother if such a system had already been rolled out in Connecticut. You can check out the post about the attack here, and my call for this technology here.
This service, which needs to be replicated across America, will allow cellular users to communicate in areas with less than ideal reception, as well as folks with hearing or speaking disabilities. It also gives a voice to those who are too afraid to speak.
USA Today reports that municipalities across the United States are watching what happens in Iowa, as they wait for money before implementing any similar programs.
Hopefully they don’t wait too long.
RELATED TECH TALK ENTRIES:
- Conn. needs to implement emergency text service
- Murder victim texts for help in frantic attempt to save self, girls
The internet was invented so people could answer their own questions. This explains the popularity of search engines. We’re always looking for something whether it’s a new job, a new girlfriend or an apartment.
Now that same logic is changing emergency notification. Let’s hear it for prgress!
(thundering applause)
Comment by Local Eyes — August 11th, 2009 @ 8:31 am