Public Safety
Next Generation 911 Gives Dispatchers New Tools to Respond to Emergencies
911 dispatchers have access to more technology than ever before, giving them additional information and tools when responding to emergencies.
One example is RapidSOS, which can help dispatchers pinpoint a caller's location.
The technology is part of a broader shift away from traditional landline-based emergency communications and toward Next Generation 911.
With Next Generation 911, emergency calls can travel through the Emergency Services IP Network, or ESInet, a dedicated network designed to handle 911 communications.
The technology allows dispatch centers to handle multiple calls, transfer calls throughout the state and communicate with callers through text messages.
Tony Bastine, who started working at the dispatch center in 2006, remembers a time when dispatchers relied on a landline, a phone book and a map of Wood County.
Today, dispatchers can have access to information such as a caller's emergency contacts and certain medical conditions before asking basic questions about the emergency.
"Obviously, in any situation, the more information you have, the better you're going to be, especially in a public safety situation," Bastine said.
As major providers phase out traditional landlines, more emergency calls are coming through Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP.
Bastine said more than 90% of the dispatch center's calls come from the Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield areas, while the remainder come from rural Wood County.
Despite the shift toward newer technology, Bastine does not expect traditional landlines to disappear entirely.
He said older residents may continue using phone numbers they have had for decades, and the dispatch center itself still maintains a landline.
As technology continues to change, emergency dispatchers are gaining additional tools designed to provide more information and flexibility when responding to calls for help.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
September 22, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Meet Gavin, aka “Banana Boy”! The Coachella Valley Firebirds fan favorite stopped by Very Caliente to share how his love of Fortnite inspired his iconic Peely costume — and his signature dance to “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the jumbotron. And yes, we finally got to see the face behind the banana! #NBCPalmSprings #VeryCaliente #CVFirebirds #BananaBoy #CoachellaValley
The #NorteFire is spreading near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as conditions develop. Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for updates. #NorteFire #SouthernCalifornia #Wildfire #SanJuanCapistrano SanClemente NBCPalmSprings
Strong winds are expected across Southern California today, with speeds reaching 25 to 35 mph. Officials warn of possible falling trees, downed power lines and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Southern California Edison says emergency crews will be on standby for possible power outages. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911. #SouthernCalifornia #CoachellaValley #WindAdvisory #PowerOutage #SouthernCaliforniaEdison NBCPalmSprings
Sordid Lives is returning to Palm Canyon Theater October 30 through November 15! Playwright Del Shores joins NBC Palm Springs’ Tod Macofsky to talk about the beloved production and its long history in the Coachella Valley. Want to see the show? NBC Palm Springs is giving away two tickets! Enter on the promotions page at NBCPalmSprings.com. #SordidLives #DelShores #PalmCanyonTheater #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley DesertEntertainment NBCPalmSprings
🗣️ NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS ARE COMING BACK TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY! Thousands of demonstrations are planned nationwide Saturday, including FIVE right here in the Valley. Organizers say the goal is to help eligible voters prepare for the polls and know their rights. 📍 Events are planned in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Will you be hitting the streets this weekend? 👀 #NoKings #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Indio #CaliforniaNews
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. No Kings protests?
Now Open! The new Agua Caliente gas station on Highway 111 in Cathedral City is officially open. A new stop for drivers in the Coachella Valley. Have you checked it out yet? #CathedralCity #AguaCaliente #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprin
A fire broke out Thursday morning at the KESQ News Channel 3 station in Thousand Palms, disrupting its morning broadcast. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire has been extinguished, and restoration efforts are underway. Station leaders told NBC Palm Springs they planned to return to the air at noon. We’re glad everyone is safe. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available. #ThousandPalms #KESQ #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
🚨 FIRE AT KESQ WHILE ON AIR! A fire broke out inside the KESQ news station in Thousand Palms around 5 a.m. this morning, forcing the station off the air. 🔥 The fire started in an equipment room where cameras and batteries are stored. Thankfully, NO ONE WAS INJURED. The cause and extent of the damage remain unknown as the station works to get back on air. ❤️🩹 #KESQ #ThousandPalms #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Four or against daylight saving?