Introduction

In October 2005, LCWC began rolling out the new text paging system named “911 Messenger”. This messaging system is designed as a secondary means of receiving dispatch information to supplement the tone dispatches, which will still be the primary dispatch for emergencies.

The following FAQs will answer the most common questions about the text paging system.

How does the text paging system work?

LCWC has interfaced its computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with a custom-built messaging system built by Cimbrian, a Lancaster-based software development company. Paging devices and groups are set up in the messaging system. When a unit is dispatched in CAD, a message is triggered to the messaging system that will then send that message to the devices in the groups associated with the unit dispatched.

What devices and carriers can be used to receive the pages?

Any alphanumeric pager, cell phone or PDA that is capable of receiving text messages can be used with the system as long as the device has an e-mail address associated with it. All major carriers have e-mail addresses automatically associated with their devices. So far, we have successfully tested with AT&T, Metrocall, Nextel, Schuylkill Mobile, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, Access Telecommunications, Arch Wireless, Boost Mobile, USA Mobility, Virgin Mobile and Skytel.

What costs are involved with this system?

There are no charges from LCWC for receiving the text messages. Individuals or organizations will need to assume any costs related to their wireless service plans, equipment (phones, pagers, etc.) or modifications to service levels. Check with your carrier for costs related to receiving text messages on your device.

How quickly are the messages sent by LCWC reaching users?

Delays generally occur within the wireless carrier’s network. The messages are sent from LCWC to the carrier within seconds of the dispatch. Once LCWC delivers the message to the carrier, we are unable to track how long it takes or if the message actually arrives on the device. Testing so far has shown an average of 15 to 30 seconds for most messages to arrive on the device.

Is text paging intended to replace traditional tone alert paging?

No, the text paging system is NOT intended as a replacement for the traditional tone alert paging. The tone alert will still be the primary and quickest form of notification for emergencies. Text paging is designed as a supplement to tone dispatch.

Can individuals be added to the text paging system at their own request, or must this be done by the organization?

To keep things simple and organized, LCWC will require users to register through their organization. Forms will be available for each organization to compile their user information and forward it to LCWC.

What if I am a member of more than one fire company or EMS agency?

A “device” is added to the system only once, but can be a member of an unlimited number of groups. You are responsible for ensuring you are listed on each agencies user list.

What information is included in a text page?

Message format varies slightly depending on the carrier, but will generally appear as:

911|BUILDING COMMERCIAL 1A|MANOR TWP~2896 CHARLESTOWN RD~S CENTERVILLE RD//IRONSTONE RIDGE RD~ENG-6-5-4,ENG-6-5-3,RES-6-5~14:52:31^

The “From” address will show “911” or “911@lcwc911.us”. The “Subject” of the message will be the incident type. The body of the message will contain the municipality, location of the call, cross streets, units dispatched from your agency and time of dispatch. The "^" symbol will appear as the last character to indicate the end of the message.

Does the text paging system require any additional effort by Communications Center personnel?

No. The entire text paging process is transparent to the dispatcher. As soon as the dispatcher issues the CAD command to dispatch the incident, CAD automatically sends the message to the text paging system for distribution to the organizations assigned to respond.

When will the text paging system be available to all County emergency services?

Departments can now register their member's devices. See the registration information page.

Is text paging limited solely to the volunteer fire/EMS services?

No. The primary goal in improving the overall emergency paging system focuses largely on first-responders who must be notified of an incident wherever they are so they can respond. However, the text paging system is not limited solely to this role, and is sufficiently flexible to provide paging for other applications that may be suggested for consideration.

What types of messages can be sent other than CAD dispatches?

In addition to the CAD dispatches, the system has been designed to allow the sending of severe weather warnings and manual messages to groups or individual users. LCWC/LEMA staff or authorized agency users can send messages via an interface on LCWC’s web site. A form will be available for agencies to authorize specific officers or other personnel to send messages. Each user will be given a login to LCWC’s web site that is separate from the agency’s generic WebCAD login.

Each device will have the option of being added to the Weather Warnings group. This group will receive Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Tornado Warnings automatically from LEMA's EMWIN system.

Can an agency set up custom groups for administrative messages or special task forces?

Initially, each agency will be assigned two groups. One group for all members, which will receive the CAD dispatches, and a Line Officers group that will contain all the agency’s line officers for sending manual messages to only those individuals. Interested agencies may contact LCWC to discuss adding additional groups.