Department of Municipal & Community Affairs of the Northwest Territories

11/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/19/2024 12:30

Five years of life saving 9 1 1 service transforms emergency access for NWT residents

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is marking the fifth anniversary of the Northwest Territories' (NWT) 9-1-1 service, an essential lifeline for residents and visitors needing emergency assistance. Since its launch on November 4, 2019, NWT 9-1-1 has strengthened public safety across the territory by providing a single, universally-recognized number to reach emergency responders anywhere in the territory. This has reduced the need to dial community-specific emergency numbers.

In its first five years, NWT 9-1-1 has achieved significant milestones, including providing critical support during the challenging 2023 wildfire season. In a particular display of resilience, the 9-1-1 team seamlessly relocated operations outside of Yellowknife to ensure uninterrupted service during the evacuation of the city. Despite facing personal challenges, dispatchers worked extended shifts and adapted to new systems under pressure, demonstrating a strong commitment to delivering uninterrupted services and keeping NWT residents safe.

From November 4, 2019, to November 1, 2024, NWT 9-1-1 has handled over 58,000 emergency calls. This figure is part of a larger total of more than 300,000 call transactions (incoming and outgoing) during the same period. These transactions include incoming
9-1-1 emergency calls, communications with emergency service providers, follow-ups to hang-up calls, and other calls related to emergency incidents.

Gradually increasing annual call volumes reflect a steady demand for services. Policing-related calls have been the most frequent, making up 40-55% of all emergency calls. Medical emergencies account for 13-14% of calls each year, emphasizing 9-1-1's role in health crisis response. Public education efforts have contributed to a significant decrease in non-emergent calls, suggesting that residents are now better informed on the appropriate use of 9-1-1.

NWT 9-1-1 dispatchers provide far more than call routing. Certified in both Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatch by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch, dispatchers can provide life-saving guidance over the phone, including CPR, instructions for administering naloxone, and guidance for childbirth emergencies. This support is especially critical in the NWT's more remote communities.

Looking ahead, the GNWT will launch public education initiatives in 2025 to promote further understanding of the 9-1-1 service and guide residents in using it effectively. These efforts will address common misconceptions and ensure residents are familiar with the comprehensive support available through 9-1-1 in the NWT.

Quote

"NWT 9-1-1 has proven to be a vital resource for NWT residents, providing essential life-saving support when it matters most. The dedication shown by our dispatch team reflects the best of our public service. As we look ahead, we will continue to enhance the service to meet the evolving needs of the NWT, ensuring that all residents have timely access to emergency support, no matter where they are."

  • Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick Facts

  • NWT 9-1-1 provides essential support to residents across the territory, connecting them to police, medical, and fire services.
  • NWT 9-1-1 dispatchers offer continuous support and life-saving instructions, especially for residents in smaller communities, until assistance arrives, or the situation stabilizes, ensuring a safer outcome for those in need.
  • From November 4, 2019 to March 31, 2024, NWT 9-1-1 dispatchers provided phone support during the successful delivery of eight babies, delivered CPR instructions and guidance over the phone for 33 incidents, and provided instructions for administering medications such as Naloxone, Aspirin, and Epinephrine in over 150 incidents.

Related Links

For media requests, please contact:
Peter Tah
Senior Communications and Planning Advisor
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
[email protected]
867 767-9162 Ext: 21012