Effective immediately, satellite communications devices that have the capability for two-way texting may now communicate directly from within Pitkin County to the Pitkin County Regional Communications Center by sending a text message to cosat911@pitkin911.org.
This dedicated email address will notify on-duty communications personnel that an emergency message has been received. Dispatchers can then communicate directly with the device wherever it is located. “This gives our dispatchers the ability to ask questions about the emergency and update the sender on the response being coordinated through the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office as they mobilize the necessary resources,” said Brett Loeb, 911 Commander for the PCSO, “this enhances any response by efficiently clarifying the situation, the location and environment, and any injuries.”
Commercial devices such as SPOT® or the Garmin inReach® device currently have the capability to press one button for “SOS” or emergency assistance. This will send an alert to the device’s third party emergency monitoring center which will then relay the request for assistance to the closest 911 center. However, the newer devices also have the capability for two-way texting. By sending to cosat911@pitkin911.org, you can connect directly to your emergency responders without going through the “middle man” communications monitoring center.
“Along with services like text to 911, cell phone enhanced location ability and Pitkin Alert, Pitkin County is once again implementing ground breaking technology with satellite to 911 service. People anywhere in Pitkin County can now call for help from their satellite devices,” stated Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo. “This service will be exceptionally valuable to people who use the backcountry and those who climb our high peaks.”
If you wish to use this service, simply add the email address, cosat911@pitkin911.org to the
contacts list on your device. There are no charges over your normal subscription rates. Be sure
your device settings include location information, owners name, GPS coordinates and a way to
respond.
“If you have an emergency in the backcountry,” Loeb added, “we still want you to try to call 911, then try to text 911, as there are spots at higher elevations where calls can get through and text sometimes works where calls won’t. If not successful, send us a text from your device, and still hit the SOS button for redundancy and failsafe.”
Media Contact: Brett Loeb
911 Commander | Pitkin County Sheriff's Office
Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center
43 Sage Way | Aspen, CO 81611
Office 970-315-2184 | Cell 970-471-5237 | email brett.loeb@pitkin911.org