For Additional Information:
Laura Rinehart, Public Information Officer
Laura.Rinehart@loudoun.gov or 571-233-1649
December 6th, 2018
For Immediate Release:
RapidSOS Technology Gets Loudoun First Responders to Patients Sooner
The Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) has implemented RapidSOS into the current enhanced 9-1-1 system in order to receive more accurate location data for mobile 9-1-1 calls. Prior to launching the RapidSOS technology, the only location data the ECC would receive from a mobile 9-1-1 call was their approximate location as provided by the nearest cell tower which may or may not be near the emergency. With RapidSOS, the location of the caller is more accurate, allowing dispatchers to send fire, rescue and/or law enforcement directly to the caller’s location.
“The public increasingly relies on their mobile devices for communication and this service will provide a more accurate location, minimizing public safety response times and utilizing resources more efficiently," said System Chief Keith Johnson. "Faster response times will undoubtedly lead directly to better outcomes for our public safety users and patients.”
Important things to know:
Apple devices, iOS 12 must be installed for RapidSOS to function.
Sprint users: the caller must be on a Wi-Fi network for RapidSOS to work.
No action is required for Android devices.
For questions about the RapidSOS technology or the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center please contact Public Information Officer Laura Rinehart at Laura.Rinehart@loudoun.gov or call 571-233-1649.
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