Summary
This case study details the implementation of a text-to-9-1-1 solution in Kershaw County, South Carolina, aimed at enhancing public safety and communication between emergency services and the community. Kershaw County became the first agency in the state to adopt this technology, which is particularly beneficial for the hearing-impaired, speech-impaired, and individuals unable to voice call in emergencies. The county's E9-1-1 call center, which handles over 100,000 calls annually, transitioned from an aging analog system to a fully integrated text-to-9-1-1 solution in November 2014. The implementation was facilitated by a partnership with Motorola and Intrado, ensuring a smooth transition without service interruptions. The case study highlights the improved response capabilities, including the ability for citizens to send texts instead of making calls, which can be crucial in situations where speaking is unsafe. The solution is expected to evolve further, accommodating multimedia communications in the future.
