Owensboro-Daviess County Central Dispatch has introduced an artificial intelligence system to improve responses to emergency calls. Director Paul Nave said the local dispatch center is one of the first in the southeastern United States to adopt AI technology, which is expected to streamline processes and improve response times.

“This technology is designed to help us multitask more efficiently. At 911, we are constantly juggling multiple streams of information, from phone to radio, and this system transcribes radio communications almost instantly,” Nave said. “We can now see what was said on screen in real time, eliminating the need to replay recordings. »

The AI ​​software, called Delphini, is designed for real-time public safety communications. Nave said it can recognize key emergency terms such as “second alarm” or “Mayday,” flag the words on the screen and highlight them in bold red so dispatchers can deal with them quickly. He said this feature improves officer and firefighter safety by reducing the risk of missing critical calls for help.

“The system does not replace jobs; it highlights them. It’s ultimately about officer and firefighter safety,” Nave said. “If we can save 15 to 20 seconds by responding instantly, it could be the difference between life and death. »

Nave frequently attends national 911 conferences, where he met Delphini and recognized her potential to benefit Owensboro-Daviess County.

“This technology is still in development and there are challenges ahead. But we are committed to improving it every step of the way, as it learns and adapts over time,” he said.

The department will spend the next few months refining the AI ​​through continued use and feedback, allowing the system to “learn” local speech patterns and specific terms unique to the area’s emergency calls, Nave said . He added that the system receives a batch of fixes every two weeks, gradually becoming more accurate with each update.

“Our enemy is time in the 911 world. If we can shave a few seconds off each task, we will succeed,” Nave said. “This technology is a powerful new tool to help us serve our community. »