Reminder: New Call-Processing Standard Now Available

The NENA Standard for 9‑1‑1 Call Processing facilitates the processing of 9‑1‑1 calls by PSAPs and serves as a basis for the development of SOPs. Use of this document standardizes the method of call handling across jurisdictional boundaries. This provides consistency in the processing of emergency and non-emergency calls and improves service to the public. Further, this new standard consolidates and replaces a number of NENA documents, including: 

• Silent or Hang-up Calls for Service Operational Information Document;
• Guidelines for Minimum Response to Wireless 9‑1‑1 Calls;
• 9‑1‑1 Call Answering Standard/Model Recommendation; and
• Emergency Call Processing Protocol Standard.

In developing this new comprehensive call-processing document, NENA engaged both NFPA and APCO to ensure the harmonization of our standards. Most notable is the update to the standard for 9‑1‑1 call-answering times, now providing that 90% of all 9‑1‑1 calls be answered within 15 seconds and 95% answered within 20 seconds. The remaining call-taking standards (e.g., order-of-answering priority, answering-statement protocols, information gathering, transfer) have been updated to reflect PSAP best practices.