Emergency Communications
Established in 1994, Emergency Communications' primary mission is to serve the citizens of Douglas County, including the cities of Baldwin, Eudora, Lecompton and Lawrence, by acting as a communications link between the citizen who needs an emergency service response and those law enforcement, fire, and medical response agencies who provide such services.
The department accomplishes this mission by providing enhanced 911 telephone services for the entire county (except the University of Kansas Campus), radio dispatching personnel and equipment for the 23 law enforcement, fire, and medical response agencies serving the cities, townships, and rural areas of Douglas County, Kansas.
Medical Priority Dispatch System
The Douglas County Emergency Communications Center uses the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS). It is a universal standard for dispatchers taking calls in a broad range of responses and triage. It is a subset of the larger Emergency Priority Dispatch System (EDPS).
The Emergency Priority Dispatch System (EPDS) gives emergency dispatchers decades of knowledge and wisdom in one comprehensive solution, empowering them to provide an objective, rational response to even the most distressing or unusual calls—regardless of their time on the job. Because even the most experienced dispatcher can forget during a frantic call, the EPDS is built on a structured call-taking methodology, drawing on time-tested, scientifically validated protocols, as well as world-class training and certification to make sure the dispatch process is grounded in proven practices.
The EPDS includes four separate-but-integrated systems—Police Priority Dispatch System™ (PPDS®), Fire Priority Dispatch System™ (FPDS®), Medical Priority Dispatch System™ (MPDS®), and Emergency Communication Nurse System™ (ECNS™). The protocols are protected by 91 current and 74 pending patents, and each is continuously evaluated and updated to ensure emergency dispatchers have the latest, most relevant information to deliver exceptional emergency support.
Source: IAED
Director Tony Foster
Tony Foster
Director
Tony Foster has been with Douglas County Emergency Communications since 2010. He began his career as a Communications Officer and was promoted within until becoming the Director in 2020. Tony strives for innovation and is dedicated to the ECC’s success and excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Judicial and Law Enforcement Building
111 E 11th St
Lawrence, KS 66044
United States
Hours: Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm
Email: Email Us
Phones: 785-843-0250 , 785-832-5237 (admin)
