NGA 911- Upgrading 9-1-1: NGA 911 Moving Technology into 21st Century Emergency Services

Don Ferguson, Founder & CEO

Is 9-1-1 compatible with individual emergencies? It’s something one would not think to ask—but the struggle to modernize 9-1-1 in the US is a real one. For half a century, 9-1-1 has been an important part of American culture. According to the National Emergency Number Association, an estimated 240 million people dial 9-1-1 every year, some 80 percent of them calling from wireless devices. This presents a problem the 9-1-1 infrastructure may not be able to tackle in its current state.

The fact of the matter is, 9-1-1 started as a technology from another time, from an era of rotary and touch-tone handset phones, devices many modern Americans would likely not even recognize. Of course, the service 9-1-1 was created to provide is not likely to become as obsolete—at least not so long as there are still crisis situations, accidents, and emergencies. It was because of this that Don Ferguson, founder and CEO of NGA 911, set out to modernize and upgrade 9-1-1.

Next Generation Advanced 911 (or NGA 911, for short) allows callers to reach 9-1-1 through SMS, instant messaging (IM), and video calls, which represents a significant step forward in emergency response technology.

Although technology has evolved with time, 9-1-1 agencies are still running legacy systems... which are incompatible with today’s mobile devices

With NGA 911, not only can callers get help no matter how they dial 9-1-1, these days, speech-impaired callers can also get emergency aid.

NGA 911 offers support for video calling, instant messaging, wearables, pedometers, gyroscopes, and more. These connected devices can provide first responders with a wealth of information, situation reports, vital signs, medical histories, and other critical details. This is information which dramatically increases the ability of emergency services to save as many lives as possible.

Budget has always been one of the biggest hurdles that keep EMS agencies from making serious upgrades—something which Ferguson is more than well aware of. To help solve this problem, Ferguson explains that agencies can choose to deploy NGA 911 on an incremental basis. This option is not only different—it eliminates the need for a restrictively expensive infrastructural overhaul.

Already providing next level emergency response in the U.S., NGA 911’s vision is global in scope. Ferguson already has plans to introduce advanced video routing and telematics in Central America, South America, and Europe.

The best part? No need to learn a new number. As the technology grows, 9-1-1 can now grow with it—in a way that creates easier connections for the caller and ultimately, saves lives.

Company
NGA 911

Management
Don Ferguson, Founder & CEO

Description
NGA 911 is the foremost innovator in providing emergency calling technology services. The company offers a complete, customizable, and reliable NG9-1-1 solution bringing secure, affordable 9-1-1 Cloud services to cities across North America. NGA 911’s incremental deployment, patented and patent-pending technologies are poised to smoothly transition legacy 9-1-1 systems to the future of emergency services, with the latest NG9-1-1 technology available. The company’s team consists of 9-1-1 industry experts, veteran PSAPS and administrators, technology insiders, and former first responders. NGA 911’s experience and talents make them aware of the market scenario

NGA 911 News

NGA was awarded the $37M contract by the State of California to provide the state's 9-8-8 call-handling system.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.: NG911, announced that they were awarded the $37M contract to provide the 9-8-8 call-handling system for the State of California.

NGA has reached another critical milestone in its efforts to save lives, create efficiencies, and become the most trusted emergency communications provider in the United States and worldwide.

NGA's call-handling solution (NEXiSConnect) transforms emergency communications into a digital environment with greater accuracy that saves seconds and lives. Providing 9-8-8 services that are cutting-edge and robust enough to handle even the most demanding geographic areas. California Crisis Centers will be able to answer calls and texts. With one button call-back feature, and the ability to transfer citizens to the correct jurisdictions when necessary.

The three-digit dialing code 9-8-8 was assigned to the National Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Crisis Lifeline beginning July 16, 2022, allowing individuals to access the Lifeline more easily. People in suicidal crisis or emotional distress can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7, 365 days a year. "This launch is a whole-of-government approach in line with the President's call to prioritize mental health by strengthening access to crisis services, and preventing Veteran suicide, our top clinical priority", said VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

As a result of 9-8-8 legislation, the behavioral health and law enforcement systems, 911 systems, and other stakeholders have a unique opportunity to improve crisis response capacity throughout the U.S. and provide appropriate support to those experiencing mental health crises.

"NGA is proud and excited to be part of providing 9-8-8 services when there has never been a greater need for quick, easy, and reliable access to emotional support and crisis counseling." Said, Don Ferguson, CEO, and co-founder at NGA

NGA 911 Launches Nationwide Next Generation 911 Police Service with Philippines National Police

MANILA - On August 16, 2024, NGA 911 LLC in collaboration with Department of the Interior and Local Government "DILG", PLDT, and Emergency 911 National Office "E911NO" deployed the Next Generation of 911 to the Philippine National Police revolutionizing emergency response for all police emergencies serving the 120 million citizens of the Philippines. There are more than 25 million calls for emergency service across the Philippines.

The deployment includes the full NEXiS Suite of end-to-end public safety applications, including Emergency Services IP Network "ESInet", Next Generation Core Services "NGCS", and Call Handling System "CHS".

The Philippine National Police is the armed national police force in the Philippines. National headquarters is located in Quezon City. Currently, it has approximately 228,000 personnel to police the entire country. The agency is administered and controlled by the National Police Commission and is part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government "DILG".

Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr., Secretary of DILG remarked, "This marks a new era in emergency response in the Philippines. A seamless, nationwide communication infrastructure for emergency services is where we need to be".

"Philippines citizens are safer today with the tireless work of DILG's Secretary Abalos, E911NO's Executive Director Francis Fajardo, and PLDT's First Vice President, Mitch L. Locsin. We appreciate their vision and dedication to this mission," said Don Ferguson of NGA 911.

Next Generation 911 brings accurate location, the most advanced life-saving technology, international 911 standards, as well as resiliency and redundancy across the Philippines nation.

"With this nationwide deployment, police now have the capability to respond faster and better, deepening trust in public safety with citizens across the nation and tourists across the globe." Don Ferguson, CEO NGA stated.