Des Plaines joins Smart911 service to give first responders more information

Des Plaines residents can help police officers and firefighters be more informed during emergency calls by creating digital profiles that detail medical conditions and other important aspects of their lives.

The city this week launched a portal for Smart911, a product offered by Chicago-based Motorola Solutions. It can be found at desplainesil.gov/smart911.

Des Plaines police and the Cook County sheriff’s emergency communications center, which handles the city’s 911 calls, are promoting the program. Participation is voluntary and free.

Through the system, residents can share information about their physical or mental health, emergency contact information, home access directions, pets and more.

“Smart911 allows residents to manage their own information through a simple online portal, ensuring accuracy and up‑to‑date details,” Des Plaines police Cmdr. Matt Bowler said.

To keep the information current, participants will be reminded every six months via email to review profile information and update as needed, Bowler said.

Information will be stored securely, officials said.

Until joining Smart911, Des Plaines police officers and firefighters kept information of this kind on notes stored within their computerized dispatch system, Bowler said.

But such notes often were incomplete or became outdated over time, he said.

Smart911 is provided by the sheriff’s office at no cost to the city, Bowler said.

DuPage County was the first in Illinois to offer Smart911, in 2011.

rlissau@dailyherald.com