Future-Proofing Emergency Responses for Citizen Safety

Don Ferguson, Founder & CEO

These new systems, built on the Next Generation 911 (NG911) infrastructure, are swiftly replacing antiquated analog 911 systems and addressing the critical need for efficient call-routing, precise location accuracy, multi-media intelligence, and rapid responses in situations when every second counts.

Next Generation Advanced (NGA) is taking charge of this transformation, liberating public safety answering points (PSAPs) from decades-old legacy systems to the next-generation IP infrastructure for public safety and emergency communication.

“We are introducing life-saving and resilient technology to emergency communication services for the betterment of all citizens around the world,” says Don Ferguson, co-founder and CEO of Next Generation Advanced.

Empowering First Responders for Safer Communities

A David among industry Goliaths, NGA entered the emergency response sector over seven years ago, bringing a fresh perspective on public safety communication technology and infrastructure.

NGA replaces the antiquated infrastructure with digital IP networks reinforced by multiple layers of redundancy. This approach brings new features into the 911 space, including optimizations for wireless carriers, VoIP carriers, and novel methods of connecting to public safety, including apps like Google and Apple location services.

Achieving seamless cloud functionality for NG911 services presented a distinct challenge. It is important to ensure the cloud’s 99.999 percent availability, equivalent to just five minutes of annual downtime.

NGA upholds this demanding standard, promising resilient ‘last mile’ connectivity and uninterrupted access to emergency services by leveraging its mastery over cloud services and partnership with Amazon Web Services. Its solutions maintain compliance with NENA i3 NG911 standards, certifying they are 100 percent cloud-based and any new advancements, features and functionality can be seamlessly integrated.

“911 needs to survive regardless of what happens. Our partnerships ensure our solutions are backed by a highly available and reliable infrastructure,” says Ferguson.

NGA holds two patents in the public safety and emergency response space, covering personal emergency response and innovative processing methods for 911 calls.

To further enhance its services, NGA is collaborating with major nationwide wireless carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon to deliver next-generation caller information to PSAPs.

911 Needs To Survive Regardless of What Happens. Our Partnership Ensures that Reliable and Highly Available Infrastructure Supports our Solutions

Redefining the Standard of 911 Communications

NEXiS solutions incorporate multiple advanced information technologies, enabling game-changing features like real-time text messaging Real-Time Text, enhanced video, remote access, system-wide monitoring, call-taker process enhancements, and improved audio quality. These capabilities provide PSAPs with critical insights into the situation and involved individuals before deploying emergency personnel.

For example, Real-Time Text technology enables individuals to transmit urgent messages via their mobile network or Wi-Fi calling. It allows the caller and 911 operator to observe the text being typed, character by character. This capability proves particularly useful in situations where a voice-call poses a risk or may not be possible.

As an illustration, a Logan County 911 PSAP center employee expressed genuine excitement over NGA’s Real-Time Text technology. His wife, who is deaf, found empowerment in its arrival as it allowed her to contact 911 services with ease and confidence. NGA’s inclusion of accessible technology empowers individuals with disabilities, offering them newfound connectivity.

NEXiS solutions also deliver comprehensive support for an array of communication modalities and IoT devices, including wearables, such as pedometers and gyroscopes. These devices provide first responders with critical information, like situation reports, vital signs, and medical histories, greatly improving situational awareness.

The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 was signed into law, incorporating 988 into statute as the new Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line. As a result, requiring that phone services and text providers in the United State and U.S. territories to direct all 988 calls and texts to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by July 16, 2022. NGA took a proactive stance to integrate 988 into its call-handling solution (NEXiSConnect), which interfaces with mental health crisis centers. It connects callers with the appropriate professionals, like counselors, even when they are uncertain about the help they require.

988 is the way to handle mental health emergencies with suitable expertise rather than defaulting to police involvement. 988 operates on a clear response model tailored to address mental health crises. Unlike standard 911 calls, which typically last between one to three minutes, 988 calls can extend to up to 30 minutes, underscoring the importance of distinguishing these emergency response types.

By safely de-escalating situations involving individuals who do not pose a criminal threat, but face mental health challenges, unfavorable outcomes can be prevented.

Unlocking New Possibilities in Public Safety

NGA is actively pursuing a strategic expansion plan within the U.S., and internationally, to bring its solutions to Asia, Europe, South America and Central America. It is also expanding its team, recruiting from across the globe, to keep up with the growing demands of projects.

Through a calculated growth strategy, it aims to develop new use cases for NEXiS solutions, and integrate more advanced technologies. For example, it is looking into a communication software designed specifically for public safety. It will allow the general public to stay up-to-date on news concerning emergencies, making it the go-to application for critical communication needs.

While its technology and exceptional team largely underpin its success, NGA extends its gratitude to key stakeholders in the public safety sector who played a critical role in the technology’s early adoption. These include Budge Currier, Assistant Director of Public Safety Communications at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services; Lee Cabaniss, Emergency Manager of Elko County; Ted Sparks, Director, Logan County 911; Jack Varnado, 911 Director Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office; and Kevin B. Sowell, 911 Coordinator, Santa Rosa County. They fully embraced it into their operations at a time when the adoption of NG911 was not widespread. The FCC’s influence was also vital in steering the implementation of NG911 within the telecommunications industry. It encouraged established carriers with deeply entrenched infrastructures to transition to the new emergency response systems.

NGA’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and its fast-response emergency communication systems are elevating the public safety infrastructure, solidifying its position as a trusted NG911 leader.