Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Practice Exam

What capability does Next Generation 911 (NG911) provide for communication?

1. Only voice calls

2. Text, pictures, and video communication

3. Emergency alerts only

4. Fax transmission

The correct answer is: Text, pictures, and video communication

Next Generation 911 (NG911) significantly expands the communication capabilities beyond traditional voice calls. One of its primary features is the ability to handle a variety of data formats, which includes text messages, images, and videos. This enhancement allows individuals to communicate in more ways than just voice, which is particularly beneficial in scenarios where voice communication may not be feasible or safe, such as in a loud environment or for individuals who may be hearing impaired. Moreover, NG911 supports text messaging, allowing users to discreetly send messages if they cannot speak. In emergency situations, the ability to send pictures, such as the location of an incident or injuries, can provide valuable situational awareness to responders. Additionally, video communication offers real-time visual information that can help emergency personnel assess a situation more accurately before arriving on the scene. The other options do not reflect the comprehensive capabilities of NG911. It goes beyond just basic functionalities like voice calls or emergency alerts, and it doesn’t support outdated forms of communication, such as fax transmission, which isn't suitable for modern emergency response scenarios. Thus, the correct answer highlights the advanced communication options available through NG911, making it a crucial improvement for public safety and emergency management.