Commissioners Court - Regular Session

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Meeting Date:	04/28/2015
Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a line item transfer for Emergency Communications
Submitted For:	Scott Parker	Submitted By:	Melissa Pogue, Emergency Communications
Department:	Emergency Services Dept.
Agenda Category:	Consent

Information

Agenda Item

Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on a line item transfer for Emergency Communications

Background

The development and deployment of realistic simulation for the training of all Emergency Communications personnel is necessary to ensure the highest level of service and care.

Current Process:
• Education is done on the floor where the interactions are kept to a minimum as to decrease the disruption of actual call taking and dispatch activities
• Simulation is done through description by the instructor so the trainee does not have "real" experience
• Use of the system on the floor is minimized due to the impact (skewing) of the real call data
• Employees do not demonstrate true call processing skills until working with live / real callers

Benefits:
• Separate room and environment to mimic the floor equipment.
• Separate data sources and systems to allow full use of system without impacting live data / statistics. This includes the simultaneous use of CAD, the Paramount call taking tools, and radio dispatching.
• Use computer simulation, including ambient/background noise generation, to facilitate dynamic scenario management. This allows the instructor “caller” to respond appropriately to the call taker's cues and direction. The instructor has the ability to do this from within the lab or from another office.
• Allows simulation of multiple calls with multiple call takers and instructors in order to teach multitasking and prioritization in real time. This emulates the floor environment with multiple stations.
• Practice of High Acuity / Low Occurrence (HALO) events. HALO events include high risk calls like in-progress violent crimes, active assailants, large fire / rescue events (aircraft or train crashes), and any other high acuity events.
• Stations and equipment (admin phones, CAD computers, and radios) may be used is support of live admin call taking in times of disaster / high demand or by other agencies as a “backup” facility.

Maintenance Cost: None – Simulation System has lifetime free updates and support – Hardware will be replaced on IT designated cycle of 4-5 years.

Fiscal Impact

From/To	Acct No.	Description	Amount
To	0100.0581.003010	Computer Equipment < $5,000	22,090
From	0100.0581.004500	Maintenance Contracts	22,090
To	0100.0581.003005	Office Furniture < $5,000	7,956
From	0100.0581.004500	Maintenance Contracts	7,956
From	0100.0581.004500	Maintenance Contracts	4,128
To	0100.0581.003006	Office Equipment < $5,000	4,128

Attachments
No file(s) attached.

Form Review

Inbox	Reviewed By	Date
County Judge Exec Asst.	Wendy Coco	04/23/2015 11:35 AM
Budget Office	Ashlie Holladay	04/23/2015 12:13 PM
Form Started By: mpogue		Started On: 04/23/2015 10:11 AM
Final Approval Date: 04/23/2015