Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. has joined Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and Kern County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services in encouraging the community to sign up for the Smart911 national safety profile registry. This free service allows individuals and families to provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 and first responders.

The program is particularly beneficial during the coronavirus pandemic. By signing up for Smart911, individuals can alert Hall Paramedics and EMTs and other public safety personnel, ahead of time, that they are responding to a location with a suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patient. This allows the EMS crews to prepare and save time by alerting them of the need to donn personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering the residence.

Individuals can create a Smart911 Safety Profile for their household at www.smart911.com or on the Smart911 App that provides critical medical information for those who may be at a higher risk of developing a serious COVID-19 illness. As identified by the CDC, this vulnerable population includes older adults, and those with a history of chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, lung disease, respiratory conditions, and compromised immune systems. When an individual calls 9-1-1, their Smart911 Safety Profile is automatically displayed, allowing public safety agencies to send emergency response teams to the right location with enhanced medical data.

Individuals can self-identify if they are under quarantine and whether it is self-imposed or directed by a health professional. All information will remain confidential and only be shown if 9-1-1 is called from a registered number.

Smart911 is a Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funded program.

To sign up, visit www.smart911.com or download the Smart911 app in the Apple Store or Google Play.