As dispatchers, we are used to dealing with emergency situations but when there is a language issue, it is important for the caller to remember to stay calm, cooperate with the dispatcher and remain on the line. The Voiance operator connects the dispatcher and caller to the proper interpreter and then information can be gathered and the appropriate help can be sent. The dispatcher attempts to obtain the language spoken and connects to the Voiance service. This is where Voiance Language Interpretation comes into play. When a 911 dispatcher receives an emergency call and is unable to converse with the caller due to a language barrier, an already stressful situation intensifies. In total, there’s over 40 languages that are spoken in this community including American Sign Language, as the New York State School for the Deaf is located in Rome. That makes up 12% of the entire population ( ). ![]() Did you know that Oneida County has the fourth highest concentration of refugees in the United States? The City of Utica alone has hosted over 12,000 refugees over the past 25 years from 31 countries. Voiance offers 24/7 Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI) in over 200 languages, Translation and Localization in over 100 Languages and Video Remote Interpretation ( In our community, interpretation services are needed now more than ever. The Oneida County 911 Center uses a company called Voiance for language interpretation. Do not try to send photos, videos or use emoticons as the system is not set up to accept these, yet Be brief and concise in your explanation of what is happening. Make sure to give the correct address of the emergency with apartment or lot number, if it pertains. To sum it up, only text when you cannot call. Please stay focused, on topic and try to answer the dispatcher’s questions to the best of your ability.Īlso, emoticons, photos and videos will not work so do not try to send them. ![]() Be brief and to the point but refrain from using abbreviations. We will need to know the full address including any apartment or lot number and exactly what is happening. If not, the dispatcher will continue texting with you to obtain all necessary information on the emergency. Upon first receiving the text, the 911 dispatcher will ask if it is possible for you to call 911. What should be included in the first text is the address where the emergency is occurring and a brief description of what the emergency is. To initiate a Text-to-911, enter 911 as your contact and write a text message as you normally would. When possible, calling 911 is preferred to texting 911 as information is relayed much easier and quicker through spoken conversation as opposed to texting back and forth. It is a valuable tool, but should not replace calling 911. Text-to-911 is only available in limited areas throughout 14 states at this time and although, the FCC is requiring that all wireless providers begin delivering emergency texts to requesting PSAPs by June 30, 2015, the FCC does not have the authority to require all PSAPs to accept text messages ( )īeing able to text 911 is beneficial to those who are hearing impaired, unable to speak due to medical issues or other special circumstances such as hiding from danger. Just because Text-to-911 works in Oneida County, do not assume that it will work in other adjacent areas as other local PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points) do not have this capability, yet. ![]() The ability to text Oneida County 911 became effective in November 2014 and is only for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon users at this time. Along with calling the number 911 for emergency assistance, Oneida County residents now have the option to text 911.
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