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Team members from the Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) were in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman last week conducting presentations to better inform the public about the life-saving role of 911.

“As the first of the first responders, the high level of professionalism, care and dedication displayed by our 911 operators 365 days a year while working under incredible pressure is remarkable. Highlighting their vital work and how the general public can more effectively interact with them will understandably mean better outcomes from emergencies and ultimately result in safer communities. Broadening our familiarisation efforts to the sister islands will help to further this,” said the Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Tara Rivers.

During their visit, the team provided sessions at schools and civic centres across the islands to promote greater community awareness of when and why to place a 911 call as well as addressing some common misconceptions about the role of 911 and the various types of response services dispatched.

“In any emergency, time is often against us and the sooner you seek help, the better. We understand that having the knowledge and confidence to call 911 is a critical factor in ensuring the help you need is with you as soon as possible. We hope by bringing information about 911 and its vital function to the public it will help to ensure the service is used effectively by persons of all ages in our community,” said the Director of DPSC, Julian Lewis.

As the Director of DPSC explains, this same presentation is regularly given to schools in Grand Cayman and has been very well received.

“We have received positive feedback from school children and teachers in Grand Cayman who have found it helpful to better understand how to use a service they hope to never need such as 911. We are very pleased to be able to take the presentation over to the sister islands to broaden public awareness further,” said Mr. Lewis.