Analysis of 9-1-1 call data from an emergency management perspective: A case study of the city of Lethbridge

Chris Kearns, DSc; Tanveer Islam, PhD, CFM

doi:10.5055/jem.2018.0382

Authors

Chris Kearns, DSc
Tanveer Islam, PhD, CFM

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2018.0382

Keywords:

9-1-1, emergency, Geographic Information Systems, spatial, temporal

Abstract

This article examines 9-1-1 call data of the City of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada over a year to find discernible spatial and temporal trends that may be useful to emergency response or better delivery of emergency management services. The spatial analysis includes Geographic Information Systems hotspot analysis of cellular and landline emergency calls with respect to critical (emergency and healthcare) facilities as well as emergency calls from residential landlines. The temporal analysis looks at hourly, daily, and monthly patterns of emergency calls and the factors driving up the call volumes in certain periods. It also examines emergency call volumes before, during, and after a major disaster (wildfire) event. The article concludes with summarizing the findings and identifying the areas for future research.

Author Biographies

Chris Kearns, DSc

Manager, Public Safety Communications Centre, City of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

Tanveer Islam, PhD, CFM

Associate Professor and Director of Doctoral Program, Department of Emergency Management, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama

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