City of Winnipeg recognizes 2017 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Released: April 10, 2017 at 10:40 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg is recognizing its 911 operators for their important contributions to public safety during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week which runs from April 9-15, 2017.

“Our Winnipeg Police Service and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service telecommunicators provide an important public service in connecting first responders to those in need, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “On behalf of all Winnipeggers, I thank them for their professional contributions to the safety of our city.”

“When people need help, whether it’s our citizens or police officers, the situations are often emotionally charged and our call takers and dispatchers are always there to provide a calm, reassuring, and professional service,” said Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth.

“Our telecommunicators are the first, first responders and vital to the safety of not only the public, but to firefighters, paramedics and police on the ground,” said Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief John Lane. “911 operators provide first aid instruction to bystanders which helps ensure the patient's condition does not worsen before first responders arrive. Telecommunicators assist their colleagues on the frontline by providing advance information about a scenario. This information can assist in developing a suitable plan of action and knowing if specific safety precautions are required.”

In 2016, over 300,000 calls were made to Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) 911 operators. This includes calls from the deaf and hard of hearing community which are answered by text. The City of Winnipeg currently has 193 staff employed as 911 operators

To assist first responders in an emergency situation, property owners are asked to ensure their property address is clearly displayed so that it is visible from the main roadway. Homes and businesses with back lane access are also required to display an address at the rear of the property. This will help ensure first responders can quickly identify a location in the event of an emergency.

For more information on National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, visit http://www.npstw.org/

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