The Chester County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES) is simplifying the way that Chester County residents and visitors can voluntarily share emergency information with CCDES in the event of an emergency - using existing smartphone features.
The Chester County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) can now receive updated emergency information through opt-in applications and integrated settings on smartphones.
Commonly, these apps are the default Health app for Apple phones and the Personal Safety app for some Android phones. On Samsung devices, this information can be added in settings, under Safety and emergency.
Once the user approves their information to be shared with 9-1-1, these applications and integrated settings automatically share emergency information with dispatchers when they call 9-1-1. If enabled, these apps also allow first responders to access this information on the user’s phone, in the event that the patient is unable to communicate.
In addition to these mobile phone apps, anyone can sign up for a free account at www.emergencyprofile.org regardless of their mobile phone brand.
The following information illustrates what can be shared with 9-1-1 and first responders:
- Name
- Age
- Medical Conditions
- Medical Notes
- Allergies & Reactions
- Medications
- Blood Type
- Weight
- Height
- Primary Language
- Emergency Contacts
In addition to the ability to receive emergency information through 9-1-1, ReadyChesCo, Chester County’s official emergency notification system, has the ability for users to add additional personal information, including access, functional, and evacuation needs to their ReadyChesCo account. This additional information will allow county and municipal emergency management officials to make better-informed decisions regarding evacuations during disasters.
When signing up for a ReadyChesCo account, community members are prompted to provide Additional Needs. Community members who already have a ReadyChesCo account can log in at ReadyChesCo.org and update or add this information on the home page under My Information.
Handouts for the public are attached to this message, and Spanish handouts are currently being prepared. These handouts can be printed and made available for community members and can be included in municipal newsletters and on social media. Please check your organization's websites and replace Smart 9-1-1 information with the information and materials provided in this message.
More information can be found on the Chester County Department of Emergency Services website at www.chesco.org/des.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at the email below:
“The mission of the Department of Emergency Services is to promote and assist in providing safety and security to Chester County citizens so they can work, live, and grow in a healthy and safe community.”