Update the ALI database for fixed and non-fixed devices
Locating a 911 caller is based on having accurate information in the public location database, known as the automatic location identifier database (ALI). When you place a 911 call, your location is passed to the emergency call-takers. Some organizations may not realize that maintaining accurate information in this ALI database is their responsibility. Spok takes care of this by tracking and maintaining your organization’s moves, adds, and changes and automatically updating the ALI database accordingly.
Many organizations today are using voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) telephony. This technology gives rise to the unique challenge of tracking wired and wireless IP phones, which are designed to be easily mobile throughout an organization. Track non-fixed devices, allowing individuals to change the location of their phone but still be identified. Within a VoIP environment the system is notified of any changes in caller location. It then ensures that the caller ID sent to the PSAP represents the most current caller location based on the ALI database record accessed.
Integrate off-premises devices
Within large enterprise networks that use multiple PBXs and/or remote shelves, a main PBX is usually designated as the primary interface with the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The remaining PBXs and/or remote shelves route net calls to the designated primary PBX. These enterprise networks can become very large and result in the physical locations of PBXs/remote shelves residing in different PSAP jurisdictions, or even in different 911 networks, than that of the main PBX. The advent of VoIP has further increased the geographical networking capabilities, and remote IP phones may be deployed great distances from the main PBX. An IP phone’s access to the main PBX may be over the enterprise’s intranet or over the public Internet via a VPN (or a combination of the two).
The result of this geographical spread is that 911 calls that are routed through the main PBX may not be routable or transferrable to the correct PSAP, making automatic identification of the 911 caller’s location impossible.
A virtual E9-1-1 integration feature provides a solution for these off-premises devices. This solution also extends the availability of the all E9-1-1 features to the remote sites.
Database integration
Spok E9-1-1 solutions are programmed to access a database behind the private switch/switch network with every customer/station. Location information is critical to this application, specifically for when the PSAP dispatches emergency response units. The Database Integration Module is a passive link from the existing database system to the E9-1-1 system that provides up-to-date number and location information for the 911 call-takers.
Notification
Providing on-site notification of a 911 caller’s number and location information helps ensure E9-1-1 system integrity for business telephone systems and provides the same E9-1-1 functionality available to residences. This translates and transmits critical information to the E9-1-1 network and to on-premise dispatch systems.
Passive monitoring
An additional level of 911 caller intervention can supply the nature of the call (e.g., medical, fire, HAZMAT, or prank) by monitoring the voice segment of the call. You have the capability to supervise a 911 call in “monitor only mode.” Security or other appropriate personnel can listen to the voice segment of the call without “blocking” or interfering with the flow of the 911 call.
Passive monitoring allows security officers to listen to a 911 call in progress, thereby enabling them to assess the situation and respond accordingly. By understanding the situation, they can provide immediate help like providing first aid, handling crowd control, or directing emergency first responders. In the case of a sick or injured individual, both organization officials and emergency personnel need to rush toward the situation. In a situation that threatens employee safety, staff and visitors must be rushed away from the scene.
Call recording
Each recorded session is marked with the time, date, and identification of the calling party. The recorded files are stored locally for easy access and playback needs. The recorded files can also be emailed to administrators.
Meet and exceed E9-1-1 compliance legislation
It’s important to understand how compliance legislation fits into the E9-1-1 picture. Spok has extensive experience in helping customers comply with both state and federal regulations. While it’s necessary for your organization to seek advice from legal counsel familiar with state and federal laws, our E9-1-1 solutions meet and exceed E9-1-1 compliance legislation for TDM as well as VoIP static and dynamic end points, end point tracking and discovery, nomadic VoIP users, ANI and ALI updates, Kari’s Law, and the Ray Baum’s Act.
Section 506 of the Ray Baum’s act requires all 911 calls, including those from MLTS, to include the “dispatchable location” to help first responders quickly locate the caller. According to the FCC, “Dispatchable location information includes the street address of the caller and additional information, such as room or floor number, necessary to adequately locate the caller.”
