REDA launches Smart911 tool

The Regional Emergency Dispatch Authority (REDA) recently activated a new tool that will enable residents of Eddy County to provide information to dispatch during 9-1-1 calls without verbally relaying the information.

Smart911 allows residents to create a profile with as little information as their full name or as much information as past medical history, current medications, whether there are children or pets in the home, and other information that helps prepare emergency medical staff to be maximally efficient and effective when responding to a call.

When a call is made to 9-1-1 by a phone number attached to a profile, the information will display on screen to the dispatcher, who relays it to the responding units. The Smart911 program also features Rave Alerts, which allows residents to opt in to receive relevant community alerts.

REDA has tested the program using their employees, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Jennifer Armendariz, REDA director of Emergency Management, and Bambi Kern, REDA executive director.

Armendariz and Kern report that this program is available to citizens thanks to collaboration between the City of Artesia, the City of Carlsbad and Eddy County, with special thanks to Artesia Mayor Jon Henry, former Carlsbad mayor Dale Janway, and Eddy County Manager Roberta Gonzales. Both municipalities and the county contributed funding to provide this service to Eddy County residents.

Both Kern and Armendariz emphatically encourage the public to sign up for the program, stating it is available to all Eddy County residents, not only those in city limits, and reiterating the importance of accurate and fast information during an emergency situation.

To sign up, visit eddy911.com/smart911, text “Eddyalerts” to 77295, or visit the “Regional Emergency Dispatch Authority” Facebook page. Residents can also call REDA on the non-emergency line at 575-616-7155.