The Saskatoon Fire Department says it has taken a major step toward modernizing emergency communications by launching the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) system.

In a news release the department says the upgrade will mean faster, more accurate and more reliable service for Saskatoon residents.

To use the service, nothing changes, you dial 9-1-1 in an emergency but behind the scenes emergency dispatchers will receive more precise caller location data improving response times and coordination.

SFD says calls will be connected more quickly to the appropriate emergency responders, the network improvements mean that even during high demand or emergency situations the system will provide continuity of service and fail safes in the system will mean the service is uninterrupted in the event of technical issues.  In the future phases residents will be able to send text messages, photos and videos directly to 9-1-1.

Noting that in an emergency every second matters, Deputy Chief Rob Hogan says, “In an emergency, every second matters. The new NG911 system equips our team with faster, more accurate information-helping us respond more quickly, make better decisions on the ground and ultimately deliver a higher level of service to the residents of Saskatoon.”