Many of you may have read the story in the Sunday 11/4 Globe magazine about the tragic death of a woman from an asthma attack in 2016, right outside the Somerville Hospital emergency room, and may be wondering about our 911 systems in Cambridge. Fortunately the City offers 911 enhancements to help first responders.
1. The City of Cambridge Emergency Communications Department has enabled Smart 911 technology. Sign up is free, and in the event that you dial 911, designated personal and medical information about you will be communicated to operators. You can provide details that will make it easier for first responders to locate you in an emergency, such as your medical conditions, emergency contacts, car make and model, and directions to access your home. It also sends 911 operators more precise mobile device GPS locations on Apple and Android phones.
2. The City has also signed up for 10 years of free access for all Cambridge residents to the RapidSOS Haven app, which similarly helps notify first responders of your exact location, allows you to send photos and text messages to 911, and can contact designated family members for you. Learn more in this short video. It’s free to sign up and download the app. UPDATE (11/14/18): I’ve been informed that the RapidSOS app is no longer offered free, and will be discontinued as of Dec. 15 any current subscribers. I am asking our Emergency Communications Dept for an update on what is available and how residents can lean more.
All non-emergency calls to the Police should go to 617-349-3300 to keep the 911 operators free for urgent calls.