Telematics & National 9-1-1 Education Month

Telematics: The integrated use of telecommunications and informatics, also known as ICT (Information and Communications Technology). More specifically it is the science of sending, receiving and storing information via telecommunication devices (Wikipedia.org)

Telematics is the key technology being used in the many of the initiatives I spoke about in my last posting. According to a letter from the National Emergency Number Association and COMCARE Emergency Response Alliance to the Department of Homeland Security, "telematics is the one area of this kind where a longstanding, multi-profession initiative has resulted in a current XML specification which is a de facto standard now being used by OnStar to share emergency data". Within the last couple of months the DHS has been incorporating telematics into its information systems used for security purposes in big cities such as New York City. The letter speaks mainly about the importance of standardizing emergency data so that it can be shared with all 911 emergency response centers. Types of data range from vehicle telematics to personal information including medical information.

911 Education Awareness Month: The COMCARE Emergency Response Alliance announced on March 10, 2008 that the month of April would be deemed as the National 911 Education Month. According to the public announcement: "They are calling upon public safety officials, schools, government officials, and industry leaders to engage in a national effort to educate children, seniors, and the general public about the importance of, and appropriate use of, 9-1-1". I think its really important that the general public be aware of the use of 911 especially in large cities such as NYC. Its important in cities where wireless communications can become congested that everyone know when the appropriate time to use 911 services. The education awareness month is seeking to educate the public of these times and uses.