July 2025

Behind the Call: How SREC Streamlines Emergency Response

When you dial 911, you might imagine it’s a single person answering and dispatching help. But at Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC), there’s an entire team working in seamless coordination — and it's all designed for maximum efficiency when seconds count.

As soon as a call is answered, a 911 Communications Officer begins gathering critical information: Where is the emergency? What exactly is happening? But what many people don’t realize is that while this interview is happening, another Communications Officer in dispatch is already working in the background to get help on the way.

Once the address and the nature of the emergency are confirmed — often within just 20–40 seconds — appropriate police, fire, or medical units are being dispatched, thanks to our integrated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. This is the same system first responders use in their vehicles, ensuring real-time coordination.

Currently, SREC operates on two different CAD systems — one for fire, and one for law enforcement — with a connected interface between them. While functional, this interface introduces an additional layer of complexity and potential for failure.

That’s why we’re excited to share that we’re building a brand-new unified CAD system, with a projected launch in early 2026. For the first time in Spokane County’s history, SREC members in fire and law enforcement will be operating on a single, fully integrated system. This monumental shift will streamline communication, reduce risk, and ultimately improve outcomes for both responders and the public.

Every question our call-takers ask follows a structured protocol, not only to provide life-saving instructions when needed, but also to ensure that responders arrive with the information they need to stay safe and act quickly. While it might feel frustrating to answer questions during a crisis, succinct and accurate answers speed up response, not delay it.

We know that when you call us, you might be facing one of the worst moments of your life. Our job is to stay calm, focused, and dedicated to getting you the help you need — as fast and as safely as possible.

Thank You for Helping Us Keep 911 Open This 4th of July

We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who used non-emergency channels to report fireworks activity this Independence Day — whether you called, submitted a report online, or used our mobile app. Your efforts truly made a difference.

Between 6:00 a.m. and midnight on July 4th, Crime Check and 911 received 2,295 calls, with 823 related to fireworks. That total includes 424 reports submitted via our online and mobile reporting tools. These digital reports played a crucial role in helping us manage call volume and keep 911 lines open for true emergencies.

We know people have a wide range of feelings about fireworks — from celebration and tradition to concerns about safety, pets, and community impacts. Our role is to listen, document your concerns, and ensure they’re routed to the appropriate agencies for response.

We’re grateful for your continued partnership in supporting public safety. Thank you for helping us serve the community more effectively.

Know the Difference: Emergency Alerts in Spokane County

When disaster strikes, not all alerts work the same way. Here's what you should know:

Alert Spokane (CodeRED):

These targeted alerts require registration. SREC sends them during wildfires and other evacuations after working with incident commanders to define evacuation zones. While SREC initiates the alerts, the system itself is managed by Spokane County Emergency Management.

WEA/IPAWS Alerts:

These are the loud, broadcast-style alerts that go to mobile phones in a geographic area—no sign-up needed. They're operated by FEMA, in partnership with the FCC and wireless carriers, and managed and initiated locally by SCEM.

While SREC works to send Alert Spokane messages in under 10 minutes using its custom-built interface and mapping tools, first responders may already be notifying residents in person.

✅ To learn more about the alert systems, who sends them, and how SREC has streamlined evacuations, visit our Understanding Alerts webpage.

Celebrating Life-Saving Moments, One Heart at a Time

At SREC, our Communications Officers are trained to act fast — and every second matters. In a cardiac emergency, guiding a caller to begin CPR compressions quickly can make the difference between life and death. That’s why we take time to celebrate every time our team successfully coaches a caller through "hands-to-chest" during a CPR call.

SREC is proud to be ACE Accredited, and our team consistently outperforms the industry standard by achieving an average hands-to-chest time well under 60 seconds — compared to the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch’s recommendation of 120 seconds. It’s a reflection of our dispatchers’ expertise, focus, and deep commitment to saving lives.

To recognize these moments, we’ve created a tradition: for every successful CPR coaching, a heart goes in the jar. When the jar is full, we celebrate with something fun — like a Pajama Day or a pizza party. It’s a small way to honor big, life-saving work.

We’re proud of our Communications Officers and the critical role they play in emergency response — and we’re grateful for their incredible work, every single day.