911 DataPath
A nationally uniform 911 data system can provide 911 and community leaders with essential information to assist with strategic planning, governance decisions, and operational improvements at all levels of the nation’s 911 systems. While 911 data is regularly collected, challenges exist in comparing non-standardized data across states.
What does a nationally uniform 911 data system look like? The 911 DataPath Strategic Plan describes the characteristics of an ideal future environment where data can be exchanged on a scheduled, ad hoc, or near real-time basis, and has five strategic goals:
Data Uniformity
Automated Data-Handling
Role-Based Information-Sharing
Sustainable Vital Support Mechanisms
Data-Savvy 911 Professionals
What's Happening Now
In November 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees the National 911 Program through the Office of Emergency Medical Services, announced a pilot project to create the first 911 data-exchange model at the local, state and regional levels. This next step toward building a national 911 data system will be owner-agnostic and scalable, and is designed to enable the routine sharing of 911 data. The creation of actionable knowledge will enhance public safety and ensure better emergency response outcomes.
What You Can Do
Review these helpful resources to understand more about the project:
Watch the webinar "911 DataPath: A Strategic Plan for Sharing 911 Data Nationwide" to learn more about the initiative, including how access to timely, automated, reliable data-sharing will help PSAPs/ECCs in their everyday work, and the types of data under consideration.
Read an article in IWCE’s Urgent Communications summarizing the process, challenges, and big picture questions the team faced as it developed a vision for nationally uniform 911 data, including the need for a framework for usable data within the 911 community.
Contact nhtsa.national911@dot.gov for more information about the 911 DataPath initiative.