Cell phone calls often routed to multiple dispatch centers during emergencies

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, PIO

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (February 3, 2010) – A recent 9-1-1 call placed on a cell phone at the Park West Recreational Complex recently shed light on the intricacies of emergency communications, reported Town Administrator Mac Burdette at the Feb. 2 Fire Committee of Council.

“Many people don’t know that the emergency call they place on their cell phone may not be directly dispatched to our telecommunications center, but instead is most often routed to the Charleston County dispatch center. While MPFD responded to the Park West incident in less than seven minutes (well within their response time level of service), it had to first receive the call from Charleston County. Technology is presently preventing us from receiving these calls directly. The entire county is working towards a consolidated communications center, but that’s a couple of years away. Until then, we must take steps to facilitate an increased response time,” said Burdette.

“When using your cell phone to make an emergency call, do not assume that the dispatcher is located in your municipality and is familiar with the location you are calling from,” said Fire Chief Herb Williams. “Clearly indicate that you are calling from Mount Pleasant and be specific as to the location you are calling from. Your call will be promptly routed to our dispatchers. Please note that if Charleston County dispatch gets the call first, they will have to transfer it back to us.”

Chief Williams is expected to meet with Charleston County communications officials to facilitate interagency emergency communication and protocol.

For more information on the Mount Pleasant Fire Department, visit us online at www.townofmountpleasant.com, or call (843) 884-0623.