Gasconade E-911 adds ‘chat to 911’ cell phone camera link to ‘text to 911’ emergency service

By Dave Marner, Managing Editor
Posted 4/12/23

Gasconade County E-911 dispatchers have a new tool to use in helping protect citizens who need emergency assistance.

In addition to the “text to 911” service currently available for …

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Gasconade E-911 adds ‘chat to 911’ cell phone camera link to ‘text to 911’ emergency service

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Gasconade County E-911 dispatchers have a new tool to use in helping protect citizens who need emergency assistance.

In addition to the “text to 911” service currently available for telecommunicators to use in their efforts to protect the public,  Gasconade County E-911 dispatchers now have “chat to 911” capabilities.

If you are in a situation where you are unable to speak to a dispatcher once you’ve called 911, a telecommunicator at the Rosebud facility can send you a text with a link. When you click on the link, the scene your cellular phone’s camera captures can be viewed by dispatchers in real time.

Dispatchers at multiple work stations can view the scene unfolding as they notify the necessary emergency services agencies such as police, ambulance, or fire. You may also continue texting to the dispatchers if you are able.

“You call 911, 911 sends you a link which activates your phone camera and 911 sees your surroundings,” said Dawn Humphrey, a dispatcher for Gasconade County.

Emergency dispatchers across the state this week are observing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week through April 15.

“The staff at Gasconade County 911 deserve this week of thanks and praise because it takes a special person to be able to listen to cries for help each day that they clock in,” said Lisa Schlottach, director of the county’s 911 center. “The weight a 911 telecommunicator carries can be very heavy sometimes, but they continue because they chose this career out of a desire to help people. They are here for us at 2 a.m. when most are sleeping, or on Christmas morning when others are enjoying time with their family. They are dedicated to the safety of our community, to our responders and to each other and I am extremely grateful for each one of them.”

Humphrey is on her second stint at the 911 center.

“911 is always evolving,” said Humphrey on Thursday as she and fellow veteran dispatcher Cassidy Johnson were training and working alongside Hailey Stotler.

“You’re a detective. A social worker. You’re providing some medical information and help as needed,” said Humphrey It’s a Catch 22 of everything. It can be very rewarding. It’s not just 911 calls. It can become a career opportunity.”

Gasconade County’s enhanced 911 program was recognized in September 2022 with an ACE Award as an accredited center of excellence in medical dispatching based on a 20-point system of accreditation. The three-year certification period is valid through September 2025. The county’s 911 center will be recognized this summer during an awards program in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted by the International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch.

Gasconade County E-911 was notified of the award last fall.

Schlottach’s staff includes Sandy Lunceford, the GIS mapping coordinator, Cassidy Johnson (supervisor) and Don Rendon (quality assurance supervisor), Terry Johnson, Alan Clay, Michael Lockhart, Keith Young, Frank Mercado, Karissa Randle, Jennifer Curtis, Dawn Humphrey, and Hailey Stotler.