<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1NZoUC_0u6Xx0UV00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1NZoUC_0u6Xx0UV00" width="650" height="438" ><figcaption>Benzie County Central Dispatch has implemented a new system that could help 911 callers before first responders arrive.&nbsp;&nbsp; (File photo) </figcaption></figure> BEULAH — <a href="https://www.recordpatriot.com/news/article/benzie-dispatch-lifeline-residents-17845915.php" rel="nofollow"> Benzie County Central Dispatch </a> is implementing a new system that could allow them to help callers even before first responders arrive on scene. The system is called the <a href="https://www.emergencydispatch.org/what-we-do/emergency-priority-dispatch-system/medical-protocol" rel="nofollow"> Medical Priority Dispatch System </a> , according to a news release from central dispatch. "With this new system, emergency dispatchers will follow nationally recognized standards and research-based protocols to identify life-threatening situations and safely prioritize calls for response," the release reads. The protocols will guide emergency dispatchers through a series questions they will ask callers in order to identify problems. Dispatchers can then determine what help to send and possibly provide instructions over the phone. The system includes software,&nbsp;direct computer-aided dispatch integration and training, which includes certification, according to the release. All Benzie County emergency dispatchers using the system are certified by the&nbsp;International Academies of Emergency Dispatch&nbsp;and will complete continuing education,&nbsp;including recertification. <a href="https://www.recordpatriot.com/news/article/Benzie-County-Board-of-Commissioners-pick-new-911-17568684.php" rel="nofollow"> Dispatch director Cory Ellis </a> said the system focuses on medical emergencies that come in through 911 calls or non-emergency calls. "Any medical emergency call going through this system has 33 different protocols that could be followed based on the chief complaint and situation," Ellis said. "The dispatcher can ask some very specific questions to make sure we send the right help and also have the opportunity to help the caller before the ambulance arrives." Ellis said examples were where a caller might be advised to take aspirin when complaining about chest pains, or be given step-by-step instructions on how to perform&nbsp;CPR, administer Epinephrine or deliver a baby. "We're trying to achieve better outcomes for the patient," Ellis said. Ellis said dispatchers weren't able to give medical advice in the past due to liability and lack of standardized approval process. The program is certified by t <a href="https://www.emergencydispatch.org/who-we-are/about-the-iaed" rel="nofollow"> he International Academies of Emergency Dispatch </a> through local medical control organizations. According to he IAED website, the <a href="https://www.emergencydispatch.org/who-we-are/about-the-iaed" rel="nofollow"> organization sets and maintains a set of universal standards </a> for emergency responders to ensure consistent, high-quality care worldwide. "This system is essentially implementing a form of patient care," Ellis said. "There's a certain process you have to go through structured by this program and certification." Ellis said dispatch staff began using the program on June 18. Training took place through April and May. “Medical priority dispatching should assist&nbsp;all involved in the call to 911," said Benzie County&nbsp;911 advisory board chair Tim Markey. "The person needing help should get the right help faster. It helps remove the guess work for the dispatcher and provides better information to the first responder. It could make the difference in saving a life.” Benzie County Central Dispatch is the primary public safety answering point&nbsp;for all&nbsp;of Benzie County, according to the release.&nbsp;In 2023 Benzie County Central Dispatch received 23,000 phone calls and maintained an&nbsp;average of 98.9% compliance with answering all 911 calls within 15 seconds with an average&nbsp;answer time of 3.2 seconds. Central dispatch <a href="https://www.recordpatriot.com/news/article/northern-michigan-sheriff-s-office-finishes-1-9m-19383338.php" rel="nofollow"> recently moved into its new dispatch center in the lower portion of the Benzie County Sheriff's Office as part of a $1.9 million renovation project. </a></div></body>

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Benzie County implements new 911 dispatch system

A new system to improve emergency response and assist callers before help arrives was launched by Benzie County 911.