NNSY TRANSITIONS TO REGION DISPATCH CENTER
BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER In the event of an emergency, building numbers aren’t always the most effective way to convey your location. Providing your building’s physical street address allows first responders to find you more easily. Not sure of your building’s address? Ask your building monitor.
In June, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) transitioned from local police and fire dispatch to regional dispatching for emergency services. The geographical and functional centralization was mandated by Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) for all installations in the region. “The Region Dispatch Center (RDC) saves money and consolidates resources,” explained Emergency Management Officer Steve Murley. “The RDC is a modern, high-tech facility with professional dispatchers who are nationally certified in telecommunications.” All dispatchers are familiarized and trained to dispatch installation fire, security and medical calls. “The standardized response is a great benefit,” added NNSY Fire Chief Doug Vonwald. “The RDC handles fire, security and emergency medical services, so the dispatchers can walk you through specific scenarios, like how to do CPR or even deliver a baby. It’s important to have that professional, standardized response for all calls.” The RDC migration also provides a more streamlined records management system and computer-aided dispatch with automated event and incident tracking for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. When the transition is complete, the RDC, located at Naval Station Norfolk, will provide dispatching for all 17 of CNRMA’s installations. While significant, these changes are largely behind the scenes, and shipyard employees shouldn’t be concerned; the process for reporting an emergency remains the same. RDC dispatchers can be reached by dialing 911 or 396-3333 from a mobile phone or landline. “When you call, report as clearly as possible where you are located, the nature of the emergency, and the address and building number; provide as much information as you can,” said NNSY Executive Officer Capt. Daniel Rossler. “Stay on the phone, talk to the dispatcher, and expect to be asked questions. That’s the biggest thing.” “We tend to be averse to change, but it’s not a bad thing,” said Murley. “It’s a good thing when you improve efficiencies. Change is going to happen, and we need to be better at communicating these changes, but we shouldn’t be afraid of improved capabilities.” JULY 2018 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 19