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Embracing Radiance: A Year of Encouragement and A Daily Sunrise

Embracing Radiance: A Year of Encouragement and A Daily Sunrise

December 21, 2023 by Kristin McKinney in

For years I have had a word of the year.  I pick one that can crossover in my personal and professional life and we try to live it out in our NCT9-1-1 culture.  There are many methods for choosing a word of the year and some year’s I go through a process.  Other years I am struck with a word after little thought and know that is the one right away.  This was one of those years.  I choose my word of the year during my year end reflection.  At the end of 2022, I was sad.  As I reflected, I was disappointed that “the new normal” still held more negative than I was willing to accept.  I’m devastated with the rise in suicide and that we have been unsuccessful in teaching the vital life skill of resiliency.  I was shocked at the number of people who quit going out into the world and stopped engaging with people face to face.  I don’t mean during lock down but still today.  I am amazed at how bad the staffing crisis is in public safety and throughout most other industries in our nation. And I could go on. . . And on. . .

 

However, I am an eternal optimist, full of hope for a good future and my mind will not allow me to wallow in these negative observations.  So I focused on what I could do to turn some of the sadness around.  That’s when I got my word of the year for 2023.  Encouragement.  We all need more encouragement to get through hard times and prepare for our bright futures.

 

What encourages you without any external intervention from others?  For me it is the sunrise and sunset.  As a transforming morning person, I have discovered sunrise for the first time in my life in the past three years.  The transformation was not on purpose and I was not trying to be awake and outside to experience sunrise on a regular basis.  I was building a positive habit of walking outside twice a day (morning and evening).  I quickly learned that walking during sunrise was amazing!  Not only fresh air, exercise and an opportunity for professional growth and learning through listening to podcasts and audio books, but also taking time to recognize the beauty of the sunrise and the sky all around it.  The ability to see the amazing colors and cloud formations calms me and makes me smile.  It gives me a sense of peace and wonder.  It makes me stop and give thanks.  The greatest thing is that it happens every day!  Each sunrise and sunset is different but these amazing and beautiful acts of nature occur every single day.  It is a constant, something I can depend on.  Sunrise and sunsets encourage me.  No matter my life circumstances or worries, there has never been a day that there wasn’t a sunrise and sunset.  No matter how bad I feel, I know that tomorrow is a new day that will be introduced by a sunrise.  I also know the sun will set on every bad day and with it is the hope for tomorrow.

Something I love about encouragement is that it is contagious.  If I am encouraged, I can pass it on.  If I have on my rose-colored glasses (that I wear most of the time) I can see the good in others and can focus on either reinforcing that good or looking for potential.  I can recognize and appreciate the good works of those around me.  I can share with them about their potential and cheer them on as they are growing.  I can even share positive and inspirational stories about others to remind someone of the good in the world and the possibilities.  I can brainstorm with others to paint a picture of a better tomorrow.

We have all been told that our words are powerful, and they are.  Verbalizing encouragement to others doesn’t cost us anything or take too much of our time.  But kind words that are sincere and authentic can make a person’s day (or more). I’m not just talking about complimenting your friend on her new hairstyle, although that is encouraging. I’m talking about taking the time to encourage someone you don’t know or maybe even don’t like. When was the last time you encouraged a co-worker?  Some people haven’t heard a kind word today and may really need one.  Sometimes people are walking around on the edge just trying to keep it together.  We never know what others are thinking or experiencing at any given moment.  But we do know that an encouraging word can make a difference.  There are people all of us admire and respect but have never told them.  Let’s take the time to do that.  Let’s encourage others.

I did something new this year and I tracked my progress on practicing my word of the year.  In fact, it was a habit goal for me this year.  I developed a list of people I could encourage and how and I journaled who I tried to encourage each day, even when it was a stranger.  I was intentional on this so I could practice encouragement daily instead of just every now and then.  Tracking and journaling my gratitude really stepped up my game in that area and I knew this would help me in practicing what I preach as well – my word of the year.

I hope you will join me in finding your constant encouragement and focusing on it daily.  I also challenge you to verbally encourage someone every day.  You have nothing to lose.  In fact, it really makes you feel good when you share kind words and see an emotional response as they say thank you.  It is wonderful when the recipient of your encouragement tells you that your words made their day.  It’s truly a win/win.  While 2023 is ending and I will have a new word soon for 2024, I hope I’ve made a lasting change by practicing encouragement that will last a lifetime. Have you encouraged anyone today?  Why not?  You never know, your words may be exactly what was needed.  They may even be the words that inspire that person to greatness!

Note from the author:  This was not generated by AI, but from my heart to yours.

Giving Thanks to Our 9-1-1 Heroes

Giving Thanks to Our 9-1-1 Heroes

November 16, 2023 by Kristin McKinney in

‘Tis the season for giving thanks, and it’s time to reflect on the unsung heroes who often go unnoticed in our daily lives – 9-1-1 telecommunicators. These dedicated individuals play a crucial role in our public safety system, providing a lifeline during emergencies and ensuring that help is just a phone call away. This season, let’s express our gratitude for the invaluable service they provide and acknowledge the reasons we are thankful for 9-1-1 and public safety.

Imagine the relief of dialing those three digits and hearing a reassuring voice on the other end, ready to help. 9-1-1 telecommunicators are the calming presence in the storm, offering guidance, support, and sometimes even life-saving instructions before first responders arrive. This season, let’s express our gratitude for the peace of mind they provide in our moments of crisis and explore ways in which the public can actively show appreciation. 

  1. Send a Heartfelt Thank You: Consider sending a heartfelt thank-you note or card to your local Emergency Communications  Center (ECC). Expressing your gratitude in writing can be a powerful way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of 9-1-1 telecommunicators. If you’re feeling particularly generous, a gift card for a local coffee shop or restaurant could be a thoughtful gesture to brighten their day during long shifts. To find your local ECC, check out the map at the bottom of this blog. If you’re outside of the NCT9-1-1 region, visit your 9-1-1 authority’s website for more information.
  2. Engage on Social Media: In today’s digital age, social media provides a platform to connect and express appreciation. Many ECCs either have a social media presence of their own or share it with the police department or sheriff’s office that they are connected to – follow them, engage with their posts, and take a moment to comment with your words of thanks. Your positive comments not only boost morale but also help raise awareness about the vital role of 9-1-1 telecommunicators in the community.
  3. Stay Informed and Advocate: Knowledge is a powerful tool. Stay informed about the latest changes and advancements in 9-1-1 and public safety. By being aware of the challenges and improvements in the field, you can actively participate in discussions about the importance of supporting emergency services. Advocate for policies that enhance the capabilities of ECCs and contribute to the overall improvement of public safety infrastructure.
  4. Share Positive Experiences: Spread positivity by sharing your positive experiences with 9-1-1 on your social media platforms. Highlight instances where 9-1-1  telecommunicators went above and beyond to ensure your safety or the safety of someone you know. Your stories can inspire others to appreciate the vital role that 9-1-1 telecommunicators play in our communities.

Not only are we thankful for our hardworking 9-1-1 telecommunicators, we are also thankful for the advancements in technology that enhance the capabilities of 9-1-1 services. From GPS location tracking to the integration of video and text messaging, these innovations empower 9-1-1 telecommunicators to gather crucial information swiftly and dispatch assistance more effectively. This season of thanks extends to the continuous efforts to improve and modernize our emergency response systems.

Let’s also not forget the collaborative efforts of the entire public safety community. From police officers and firefighters to emergency medical personnel, the seamless coordination among these dedicated individuals ensures a comprehensive response to any emergency. The synergy between 9-1-1 telecommunicators and on-the-ground responders is a testament to the strength of our public safety infrastructure. Here at NCT9-1-1, we deeply thank all of the 9-1-1 telecommunicators and public safety professionals not only across our service area, but in the world! 

Press Release: NCT9-1-1 & RapidDeploy Share Vital Tips for Emergency Calls in Honor of National First Responders Day

Press Release: NCT9-1-1 & RapidDeploy Share Vital Tips for Emergency Calls in Honor of National First Responders Day

October 24, 2023 by Kristin McKinney in

Public safety awareness and the innovation of Next Gen 9-1-1 makes a difference for first responders and communities across North Central Texas

ARLINGTON, Texas, October 25, 2023 — The North Central Texas Emergency Communications District (NCT9-1-1) is on a mission to improve emergency response with a dedicated program on public safety education, highlighting advancements in Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) solutions. This includes the continued focus of the Learn 9-1-1 application and the increasing role of modern 9-1-1 communication channels, such as live video, 2-way text, smartwatch notifications, plus more. In honor of National First Responders’ Day, NCT9-1-1 and RapidDeploy, the leading cloud-native platform for public safety, are asking the public to remember essential guidelines when facing emergencies and contacting 9-1-1.

 

To support National First Responders Day, an annual celebration on October 28th, dedicated to recognizing the brave individuals, from dispatchers to telecommunicators to field responders, NCT9-1-1 and RapidDeploy have created vital tips when calling 9-1-1. Additionally, while launched in 2020, the Learn 9-1-1 application, a 9-1-1 simulator aimed at teaching citizens how to successfully call or text 9-1-1, is now re-emphasizing the need to educate the public on text capabilities.

 

“Our first responders are dedicated to delivering the most effective emergency response for our communities and we want to extend our gratitude to them on National First Responders Day by sharing tips that can transform and improve incident response,” said Christy Williams, Director, NCT9-1-1. “With the advancements in Next Generation 9-1-1, it is important that we continue to educate the public on the most up-to-date best practices when placing an emergency call to one of our 40 plus Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs).”

 

When it comes to contacting 9-1-1, here’s the following recommendations and guidance:

 

  • Don’t Hang Up: Accidental 9-1-1 calls happen—whether it’s a pocket dial, a misdial, or a child playing with a phone. If you mistakenly dial 9-1-1, do not hang up immediately. Once a call is initiated, it must be answered by a dispatcher or telecommunicator at an ECC. Stay on the line, explain the accidental call, and answer their questions.

 

  • Know Your Location: Knowing your exact location is crucial for a swift emergency response. Providing your location information saves time, reduces stress, and enables more effective and efficient response. In instances where you don’t know your location, NG9-1-1 Mapping solutions can help to pinpoint your whereabouts and get responders on the scene quickly.

 

  • Call if You Can, Text if You Can’t: Texting to-and-from 9-1-1 is available in NCT9-1-1’s service area. While calling is the most efficient, there are multiple situations when texting can be a viable communication method. Real-time two-way texting is an effective way to provide your location, describe the nature of your emergency, communicate with members of the Deaf and Hard of hearing communities, for individuals that speak different languages, or find themselves in situations that are not safe to speak.

 

  • Consider Other Forms of Communication: Telecommunicators can also initiate live video streaming between them and the caller. With RapidVideo, a video capability from NCT9-1-1’s NG9-1-1 partner RapidDeploy, citizens can show the telecommunicator exactly what they are seeing. This provides transformative situational awareness and critical intelligence into the emergency. Alternatively, smartwatches can automatically notify ECCs of an emergency, providing location and medical information, along with a voice channel for speaking with the caller. Don’t forget about accessing digital methods of communication in critical moments.
    • For example, Northern Ellis Emergency Dispatch received a smartwatch fall detection call, which provided the ECC an open line to the man wearing the device. Additional information included his GPS coordinates and the caller’s medical history information, which was previously input by the patient into the smartwatch. Through the open line, the telecommunicator heard breathing, but the man was unresponsive to their questions. Thanks to modern communications technology like a smartwatch, combined with NG9-1-1 solutions from RapidDeploy, the telecommunicator pinpointed the patient’s location on the map inside the agency and see that the patient had preexisting health conditions. This helped them to dispatch the right emergency response teams in the most efficient amount of time.

 

  • Remember Telecommunicators Are People Too: Always keep in mind that there’s a human being on the other end of the line. Show compassion and respect to the 9-1-1 heroes who answer your calls, as they work diligently to ensure your safety.

 

“The digital age has ushered in a new set of expectations for emergency response where precision, immediacy, and diversified communication channels are now expected, especially when lives are on the line. We are proud to partner with customers like NCT9-1-1 who have helped to transform emergency response with their transition to NG9-1-1,” said Steve Raucher, CEO and Co-founder. “National First Responders Day is the perfect moment to further educate the public on the advancements in 9-1-1, and provide guidance on best practices for placing emergency calls. If we each do our part, we can save more lives.”

 

About North Central Texas Emergency Communications District:

The North Central Texas Emergency Communications District (NCT9-1-1) was created pursuant to Chapter 772, Subchapter H, of the Texas Health and Safety Code.  NCT9-1-1 is engaged in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of an emergency 9-1-1 system for more than 40 Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) in 13 counties surrounding the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.  NCT9-1-1 serves a population of 1.7 million and covers 10,800+ square miles.

 

About RapidDeploy:

Founded in 2016, and based in Austin, TX, RapidDeploy is the leading cloud-native platform for public safety. We provide Telecommunicators, First Responders, and 911 agencies with Next Generation solutions that deliver intelligent information and drive better outcomes in mission-critical situations. With a curated partner network, our platform combines mobile signals, critical datasets, and call information into a single operating system, improving emergency response with location accuracy, situational awareness, unified communications, and on-demand insights. Our products improve outcomes and ultimately save lives. In 2023, RapidDeploy earned recognition for the 5th year in a row as a prominent company to watch on the GovTech 100 list, and as one of the best places to work by Built In. Learn more at www.rapiddeploy.com.

Knowing Your Location Really Matters When You Dial 9-1-1

Knowing Your Location Really Matters When You Dial 9-1-1

September 27, 2023 by Kristin McKinney in

We all know that in times of emergency, the three magic numbers – 9-1-1 – are like a superhero’s hotline to save the day. But here’s the deal: it’s not just about dialing those numbers; it’s about making sure you know your location. Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) aren’t always able to pinpoint your exact location, so knowing where you are based on addresses and landmarks really matters. Knowing where you are is like the secret sauce to getting the help you need ASAP. So, let’s break it down and chat about why knowing your location is the most important thing when calling 9-1-1.

 

Time is of the Essence

When you’re in a jam, every second counts, right? Well, knowing where you are cuts down on all that guesswork. Imagine this: you’re at a park, and your friend suddenly needs help. Telling the 9-1-1 telecommunicator you’re at “that park near my aunt’s house” isn’t going to cut it. But if you know you’re at “Sunshine Park, 123 Elm Street,” boom! Help is on the way. Those precious minutes could be a game-changer, especially in a medical emergency.

 

Lost in the Wilderness or Traveling? No Problem!

Emergencies don’t care if you’re in your comfy living room or hiking the wildest trails. When you’re out traveling or exploring new territories, knowing your exact location becomes your lifeline. Whether you’re on a backpacking adventure or just got lost in a maze-like convention center, having your location handy helps first responders find you, even in the middle of nowhere. Check out our blog on what3words to learn more about the app that can help locate you, even if you’re in the wilderness.

 

It’s About Public Safety, Too

When you share your location, you’re not just helping yourself; you’re aiding your whole community. Think about it: if an emergency is brewing in your area, knowing your location helps first responders understand the big picture. They can then send the right help to you and others who might be affected. It’s like being a local hero without even realizing it!

 

Keep Calm and Share Your Location

Emergencies are stressful – no doubt about it. But knowing where you are and sharing it with the 9-1-1 telecommunicator can be a game-changer. It lets you feel a little more in control, knowing that help is en route, and they know exactly where to find you. Less stress, less panic, and more confidence when it matters most.

 

Get the Right Help, Right Away

Different situations need different responses. Knowing your location helps 9-1-1 telecommunicators  figure out what kind of assistance you need. Are you stuck in a burning building? Are you at home with a medical emergency? Your location helps first responders plan their approach and get you the help tailored to your specific needs. 

 

In a nutshell, knowing where you are when you dial 9-1-1 is like the secret ingredient to a successful emergency response. It saves time, reduces stress, and ensures that help finds you ASAP, no matter where you are. So, remember, the next time you’re in a jam, don’t just dial those three magic numbers – know your location, too. It’s your ticket to a quicker response and peace of mind when it counts the most. Stay safe, folks!