Minnesota to adopt Next Generation 911 changes

[KSTP TV, February 08, 2016] One of the most relied-upon phone numbers is 911. However, this critical system has failed to keep up with technology. That is about to change. Soon, state experts say, the 911 system will be more effective than ever with the introduction of the Next Generation 911 system.

Approximately 300 emergency calls are answered every day at Allina Health Emergency Medical Services in St. Paul. That's 20 percent of the state's 911 medical calls, with response coverage stretching 1,800 square miles from Cambridge to New Ulm.

"People don't call 911 because they're having a good day; they're very nervous, very scared, very sick,” Chuck Kaufman, communications director for Allina Health EMS, said.