A recent call that I overheard radio traffic on reminded me of an important topic to help provide a safe and quick response for medical emergencies.
On this particular call, an elderly person has fallen and required medical assistance. The person could not get to the door to unlock it for responders to get inside. The law enforcement officers on scene were attempting to get information from dispatch that would assist them in making entry to the residence such as a door code or another relative with a key.
The goal of this type of call is to make a quick and safe entry to provide help and try not to cause any more damage than is necessary. If you are concerned about this type of situation or have a relative that is at risk of falling, our 911 dispatch center has the capability of storing information about the address in the case of an emergency call. Address alerts could contain information about door codes, keyholders, alarms or even animals inside the residence. This information would be shared with first responders if there is a call for service at the listed address.
It seems we are on a weather roller coaster right now and that is often the case living in the center of the country. In the last 14 days of February, Texas County experienced a winter storm and springlike conditions. The first week of March is severe weather preparedness week in Missouri. The week focuses on education about weather statements, lighting, hail, wind, tornado and flooding risk. The statewide tornado drill is also planned depending on current weather.
Like many issues, the time to plan for these situations is now, not when severe weather occurs. Please check your emergency plan and supplies and be prepared for spring in the Ozarks.
In a review of reports generated by the sheriff’s office in February the following case statistics are as follows. Nine domestic assaults, eight stealing incidents, four warrant arrests, four missing person cases, two failures to register as sex offenders, two sexual misconducts, two peace disturbances, one mental health incident, one nondomestic assault, one delivery of controlled substance, one interference with custody, one lost property, one trespass, one unlawful possession of a firearm and one animal abuse.
In addition, deputies responded to many other calls for service that were handled without a written report.