Ensuring the Efficiency of LAFD 9-1-1 Dispatch Protocols....

The organization and performance of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is critical to the public safety of City of Los Angeles residents. This week, I submitted a motion asking that the Los Angeles Fire Department report to the Public Safety Committee on the 911 dispatch issues raised by the County Civil Grand Jury Report as well as the Third Party Deployment and Fire Resources Study, especially as it pertains to call handling procedures. 

Recently, it was reported in the Los Angeles Times that the LAFD, in response to criticism of the department’s 911 response system, announced that it would overhaul its call handling procedures and create a program that is “tailored to the department’s specific needs.”

In response, Priority Dispatch Corporation, which licenses the Medical Priority Dispatch System protocol used by the LAFD, argued that this protocol "when used properly, can quickly and efficiently interrogate 911 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) callers and ensure the dispatch of an appropriate and timely EMS response.” 

Additionally, the motion asks that the Chief Legislative Analyst be directed to facilitate a meeting between the Los Angeles Fire Department and Priority Dispatch Corporation to discuss concerns that have been raised by both parties. 

It is critically important that we ensure that potential life threatening calls placed to 911 are routed quickly, accurately and effectively. 

- Mitchell Englander, Chair of the Public Safety Committee