Statewide system gives dispatchers real-time access to air ambulance locations

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A new statewide system provides dispatchers real-time air ambulance locations.

Implemented through a transportation bill, it reduces response times for trauma cases.

OGDEN — Inside the 911 dispatch center for Weber and Morgan counties, dispatchers have a new tool at their disposal that is helping shave minutes off response times for some of the most crucial calls.

"With trauma, time is of the essence," Weber 911 Executive Director Kevin Rose explained. "Every minute counts. We want that patient in the hands of a surgeon as soon as possible."

Rose said the feature is something he's been asking for for several years, but it's been difficult to coordinate between dispatch centers, hospitals and multiple air ambulances. He, however, was surprised to learn earlier this year t