Dona Ana County introduces new 911 call protocols for faster, more effective response

Dona Ana County residents will answer some new questions when they call 911, in a bid to categorize high-priority calls and more efficiently operate the region's emergency dispatch system.

Last Thursday, the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority (MVRDA) announced it has instituted the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), after half a year of refining its processes with Priority Dispatch.

According to MVRDA, ahead of the new system's roll-out, its emergency dispatchers underwent "extensive additional training" to earn certifications from the Medical Protocols of the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).

Those certifications reportedly cover everything from snake bites to identifying strokes, administering CPR, or administering Narcan for an overdose.

"It's important for residents to know that as soon as the dispatcher has identified the location and main issue, help is being dispatched," said MVRDA Executive Director Jennifer Gorham. "The dispatcher may continue with further questioning after emergency services have been dispatched in order to further update responders. Our dispatchers are also certified to give life-saving instructions until responders arrive."

Brian Dale, president of Priority Dispatch said, "The MPDS helps emergency dispatchers obtain appropriate information to identify the severity of the incident and apply consistent treatment to the patient until responders arrive, and this has the potential to save lives."

In a statement, MVRDA said it is "excited" that its emergency dispatchers will be trained in "internationally recognized standards and research-based protocols to identify life-threatening situations and safely prioritize calls for response."

MVRDA Deputy Director Albert Flores, said "There are many benefits to the MPDS scripted protocols, an important one being that every MVRDA emergency dispatcher answering your call has been trained in the questioning protocols and you'll receive a consistent high level of service."

"At the IAED, our goal is to help the Emergency Dispatcher do his or her job better," said Dr. Jeff Clawson, chair of the Rules Committee for the IAED Medical Council of Standards. "This system increases safety and effectiveness for the first responders and creates better outcomes for callers."

MVRDA is the consolidated dispatch center serving Dona Ana County, the City of Las Cruces, the City of Sunland Park, the Town of Mesilla, the Village of Hatch and the City of Anthony.