In healthcare, emergencies are inevitable. But what isn’t guaranteed is whether a 911 call will be routed correctly—with the right location and to the right responders.
Surprisingly, many hospitals, clinics, and telehealth programs still rely on outdated systems or 10-digit administrative lines to handle emergencies. These shortcuts delay care, introduce compliance risks, and can put lives in jeopardy.
Administrative Lines Aren’t Built for Emergencies
While Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) are staffed by trained emergency dispatchers with access to location technology, administrative lines are not:
- 🚫 Often unmonitored or go to voicemail
- 🚫 Don’t transmit automatic location data
- 🚫 Can’t be transferred across jurisdictions
- 🚫 May be answered by untrained personnel
Using them for emergency response is a recipe for delay and miscommunication. Learn more in our whitepaper on administrative line pitfalls.
Compliance Isn’t Optional
Laws like Kari’s Law and the RAY BAUM’s Act require:
- Direct 911 dialing without a prefix
- Detailed “dispatchable” location information
- Internal safety notifications when 911 is dialed
Non-compliance carries fines up to $10,000 per violation, plus $500/day until resolved. But the bigger risk is delayed emergency response for patients and staff.
Healthcare’s Unique E911 Challenges
Healthcare environments are complex:
- 🏥 Multi-building campuses
- 📱 Mobile clinicians using Voalte or Mobile Heartbeat
- ☁️ Hosted UC platforms like Cisco CUCM and Avaya
- 🌐 Growing telehealth usage—up 46% since 2019
Each of these scenarios complicates accurate 911 routing and compliance—especially when the caller is remote or mobile.
Real Scenarios, Real Risk
- Telehealth Emergency
A remote nurse detects signs of a stroke during a virtual session. Without proper routing, 911 connects based on her location—not the patient’s. - Hospital Security Threat
A nurse dials an internal line during a violent encounter. The delay in reaching security or emergency responders compromises everyone’s safety. - Remote Staff Incident
A home-based employee collapses and calls 911 via softphone. The call may misroute to the hospital’s jurisdiction—not theirs.
RedSky: Healthcare-Ready E911 Solutions
RedSky Technologies provides cloud-native, scalable solutions that ensure every emergency call is:
- Routed to the correct PSAP
- Accompanied by precise location data
- Compliant with federal and state regulations
- Communicated internally to safety teams
We integrate seamlessly with your existing platforms—whether you’re using Microsoft Teams, Webex, Cisco, or Avaya.
🔹 E911 Anywhere
Routes 911 calls with building, floor, and room-level detail.
🔹 Horizon Assist
Enables authorized staff to place 911 calls on behalf of others—ideal for telehealth and command centers.
🔹 MyE911
Tracks the location of mobile and softphone users—even when they’re off campus.
🔹 Emergency Notifications
Alerts security teams immediately when 911 is dialed, improving internal coordination.
Proven Results for Healthcare Systems
- ✅ Avoid regulatory penalties
- ✅ Improve patient and staff safety
- ✅ Reduce emergency response times
- ✅ Maintain compliance across multiple platforms and locations
Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call
Your hospital’s emergency response system must be as modern as your care delivery. If you’re unsure whether your organization meets today’s E911 standards, it’s time to act.
👉 Request a demo to see how RedSky helps healthcare organizations modernize 911 response—before the next emergency strikes.
