911 and Next Generation 911 Services

Every 9 1 1 call is handled in two steps:

Step 1 – Call answer (PPSAP - Primary Public Safety Answering Point)

• Confirms your location
• Determines if you need police, fire, or ambulance

Step 2 – Dispatch (SPSAP - Secondary Public Safety Answering Point)

• Gathers details
• Sends the appropriate emergency responders

These are separate services, even though they work together to deliver 9 1 1. 

• Most 9 1 1 calls are answered by E Comm, a non-profit organization
• E Comm handles approximately 99% of calls in the province 

9 1 1 is a local government responsibility, not a provincial requirement.  The RDN delivers the service through partnerships, with different models in different parts of the region:

• Northern RDN (District 69)
  (Electoral Areas E, F, G, H, City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach)
  • Call answering: E Comm
  • Fire Dispatch: North Island 9 1 1 (NI911). Watch video. 
  • NI911 operates under a shared regional model
• Southern RDN (District 68)
  (Electoral Areas A, B, C, Lantzville)
  • Call answering: E Comm (via regional partnership)
  • Fire Dispatch: City of Surrey
  • Infrastructure and coordination shared with the City of Nanaimo

RDN Fire Services:

• Coordinates service agreements and infrastructure
• Works with partners (E Comm, NI911, Surrey, municipalities)
• Ensures emergency calls reach the right dispatch centre

The RDN does not answer 9 1 1 calls directly but helps ensure your local fire department receives and responds to them.