KTTC

By Ryder Blair

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and other state lawmakers announced two bills that would improve and aid 911 telecommunications.

These bills would update what Klobuchar called “outdated technology” for first-responder systems. She said they would bring emergency methods to the forefront of the 21st Century to help callers, dispatchers, and first responders save lives.

Klobuchar mentioned these bills will likely be passed later this year to keep Minnesota first responders ahead of the curve.

“Minnesota is already ahead of the game with our text to 911 statewide project, but we can even do more nationally and get more resources once we pass that bill,” Klobuchar explained. “Each one of those calls can be the difference between life or death.”

911 Olmsted Communications Manager Melissa Burns said updated technology would give first responders vital information. She said this technology would also act as a translator to overcome language barriers.

“This will provide information as to which floor in a building, or even which specific room on a floor a 911 call is coming from,” Burns stated. “Then, also populate that on a map, is very crucial.”

The legislation would also potentially classify 911 telecommunicators as first responders, allowing them full health benefits such as mental therapy.

Olmsted Public Safety Telecommunicator Carolyn Kittleson claimed having access to first responder health benefits would make a lifesaving difference.

“The job is really difficult it comes with long hours, working holidays, not seeing your friends or family,” Kittleson said. “It’s more of a lifestyle than a job to be completely honest."

These bills were created alongside Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, and would additionally regulate blackouts affecting 911 systems.