New system will improve emergency response in Richmond, VA

The Dept. of Emergency Communications will change how they conduct 911 calls to provide more information to callers.

A woman wearing a headset sits in front of a computer display.

911 call-takers follow a decision tree when they receive calls.

Photo by Karen Gill, Richmond DEC

Richmond’s Department of Emergency Communications has a new method for emergency response.

DEC went live with a new protocol system for 911 calls yesterday at 10 a.m.

Here’s what to expect if you have to make an emergency call.

911 call-takers will follow a decision tree with questions about the specific situation. This means you may be on the phone for longerbut this won’t slow down response time.

Responders will already be en-route and can receive information from call-takers before they arrive. Callers also get consistent, clear instructions on what to do in the meantime.

DEC says the new system follows nationally-recognized standards for emergency response.

More from RICtoday
“A thing is so much more than a thing when it connects you to a person, especially when it connects you to a person who might not be with you anymore,” said Repair Café RVA founder Jenny Kobayashi Malone.
Whether you’re a novice or a pool shark, there’s a table for you in the River City
Rounding the corner on Repair Café RVA’s first anniversary, we chat with organizer Jenny Kobayashi Malone about community impact, milestone repairs, and future goals.
RICtoday readers shared which local restaurants and meals spark deep nostalgia — and we think you’ll agree.
Bookmark this page to your favorites tab so you can quickly return and find the top events happening each month in Richmond.
Learn how these two Brandcenter students catapulted from graduation to the Super Bowl, and get an early look at the ad they helped create.
“Big Scouse” will look into the living legacy of Terry O’Neill, the man who founded Penny Lane in downtown Richmond.
The Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiya passed through Richmond for the Walk of Peace on Sunday, Feb. 1, and Monday, Feb. 2.
Whether you’re interested in local news, music, sports, or wellness, there’s a River City podcast for you.
Baseball fans and anyone curious about the new stadium have until Friday, Feb. 27, to enter a randomized ticket lottery for Opening Night at CarMax Park.