On May 29, 2001, the Prince Edward Island 911 Emergency Response System will celebrate its first anniversary.
The 911 Emergency Response System, a partnership between emergency service providers, Island Tel. and the provincial government, became operational at 12:01 a.m., May 29, 2000. During its first year of operation approximately 36,000 calls were directed by the three Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) at the Summerside Police Department, Charlottetown RCMP and Charottetown Police Department. The majority of these calls were from individuals in emergency situations who required the assistance of police, ambulance, and/or fire departments. On average, the three Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs) continue to handle approximately 100 calls per day.
"The PSAP operators and managers work very hard to ensure 911 calls are directed to the appropriate emergency service provider in a timely and efficient manner," says the Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. "I am extremely pleased with the cooperation of the many Emergency Service Providers, Municipalities, and other Government Departments which participate in this important public safety service."
A major factor in the success of the 911 Emergency Response System has been the implementation of province-wide civic addressing. This system of determining caller location has enabled emergency service providers to respond in a more efficient and timely manner. Last year the 911 Civic Addressing Committee received a national award for their efforts and innovative approach to establish a province-wide, geo-referenced civic addressing system.