In a pioneering move, the Cobb County Department of Emergency Services has started using an AI system to train its new 911 operators. The system, known as CommsCoach Simulations, places recruits in realistic, high-pressure scenarios without any risk to real lives. Developed by GovWorx, this platform dynamically adjusts its scripts to create emergency call simulations complete with background clamor and genuine address details.
Desmond Harris from Cobb 911 explains, “CommsCoach is an AI-powered training tool that lets us practise real-life calls safely, without being directly in the thick of an emergency.” This adaptive approach means that each session offers a mix of scripted elements and spontaneous twists, ensuring that trainees are well prepared for the unpredictable nature of real calls. Recruits like Amore Steele, who are among the first to experience this training, have noticed a marked boost in confidence. Steele shares, “It’s all about learning how to pick up on the nuances, understanding the real emergency, and getting help to those who need it immediately.”
This method of training offers a practical, risk-free way to build the responsiveness crucial for emergency dispatch. By simulating the kind of pressure found on the job, Cobb County is setting a new benchmark for how 911 operators are prepared to manage crises from the moment a call comes in.
