Communication Services

The Drexel Heights Communications Center is one of three emergency 911 regional dispatch sites in the Tucson area. The Communications Center dispatches emergency calls for several other fire departments besides Drexel Heights. These departments include Arivaca, Mt. Lemmon, Rincon Valley, and the Tohono O`odham - San Xavier. Drexel Heights Fire District also provides dispatch services for Arizona Ambulance.

Information coming to the center is entered into a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) program. The CAD program has the ability to determine responses, track unit movements and correlate information for use in determining the type of emergency and assistance needed. When the incident location is established the emergency response crews are dispatched. The telecommunicators working at the communication center can also provide callers with Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). EMD is providing information and instruction to the caller to assist them until emergency personnel arrive on scene. An example of EMD assistance is how to perform CPR.  

The 911 system saves lives by saving time, but Drexel Heights Fire District can’t help you if we can’t find you. To assist emergency personnel get to you when needed, make sure your address is clearly visible from the street.  Number should be at least four inches tall and in a reflective material. We also recommend that your address be posted in more than one location (ex: mailbox, curb, front & rear of house, alley wall, roof).

 

Communications Center