All medical emergencies have different circumstances and require different services. In their constant effort to provide the very best in emergency services to Philadelphians, the PFD will soon implement what is known as Medical Priority Dispatch Screening (MPDS) program to its operations.

The focus of the MPDS program is to enhance and improve upon the 911 dispatch process. The program will do so in the following ways:

• All 911 operators will be trained in emergency medical services.
  
• All 911 operators will receive computer-aided assistance in determining the appropriate medical questions to ask citizens in an emergency situation.

Even with an average response time of 4.5 minutes for engines and 6.5 minutes for medic units, the PFD continuously strives to improve efficiency.

The Available Vehicle Locator (AVL) system will enable each PFD vehicle to be identified and located at any given time, in any part of the City.

Philadelphia is a big city. To better track and dispatch its vehicles throughout the City, the PFD will soon implement, in conjunction with the Available Vehicle Locator (AVL), a comprehensive Electronic Mapping System (ElecMS). Combined with the AVL, the ElecMS will ensure that all dispatched vehicles are accounted for on the streets.

ElecMS will soon provide the PFD will a detailed, computerized view of all water mains, gas mains, power lines, and communication lines in the City.