Resgrid Blog
Resgrid.com Blog | Open Source Dispatch
A branch office opens on Monday. Phones work. Users can call customers, transfer calls, and join meetings. On Tuesday, someone dials 911 from a desk phone after a medical emergency, and the call routes based on the old office record still tied to that extension. The phone system did what it was configured to do. …
The failure usually starts small. Security spots lightning on the radar. Medical wants to hold a pedestrian route open. Stage management is asking whether to pause the set. Someone grabs a radio, someone else opens a group text, and the crowd hears three different instructions within two minutes. That’s why a rave emergency alert system …
When it comes to VHF vs. UHF radio, there's no single 'best' choice. The right answer depends completely on where your team operates. VHF is built for long-range communication across open, rural terrain with clear line-of-sight, think wildland firefighting. In contrast, UHF is essential for urban environments because its shorter wavelength can punch through concrete …
When you're on a scene, every second matters. A portable radio mic isn't just another gadget—it's the critical link that keeps your team connected, safe, and effective. For first responders and dispatch centers alike, these systems deliver clear, untethered communication that can completely change the game. This guide will walk you through it all, from …
Let's be blunt: the best emergency walkie talkie isn't a specific model you can just buy off a shelf. It's the one that absolutely will not fail you when everything else has. For mission-critical work, that means professional-grade digital radios running on licensed VHF or UHF bands. These are the tools that deliver the reliability, …
Hiring a 911 dispatcher is one of the most critical personnel decisions a public safety agency can make. The right candidate possesses a rare blend of unshakable composure, sharp technical skill, and profound emotional intelligence. But how do you effectively identify these essential qualities in a standard interview setting? This comprehensive guide moves beyond generic …
When you dial 911, you're not just making a phone call; you're activating an entire emergency response ecosystem. At the very heart of that system is the Public Safety Answering Point, or PSAP. Think of a PSAP as the air traffic control tower for every crisis in a community. It’s the physical or virtual place …
Fire department dispatch is the communication hub at the absolute center of any emergency response. It’s the critical link that receives a 911 call and gets the right fire and medical resources rolling to the scene, often before first responders even start their engines. The Nerve Center of Emergency Response Picture an emergency as an …
When you're a first responder, there's no room for guessing games with your comms. Knowing you have a signal is non-negotiable. That’s where the official FirstNet coverage map comes in. It’s the single source of truth for verifying exactly where your team can expect a solid connection on the dedicated public safety network. Think of …
Hiring a 911 dispatcher is one of the most critical decisions a public safety agency can make. An exceptional dispatcher is a calm, decisive, multitasking professional who serves as the first point of contact in a crisis. A poor hire, however, can increase response times, introduce significant liability, and quickly erode public trust. The key …