Instant messaging is emerging as an emergency communications tool. The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, for instance, is providing first responders access to instant messaging in fire apparatus, police cruisers and other emergency vehicles under a program meant to enhance responder connectivity across the state.

IM is a real-time communication based on typed text that is conveyed via computers connected to a network.

After a 100-unit pilot completed in early November, Kentucky began a statewide rollout of a uniform IM platform called KyWINS Messenger, a rebranded Jive Software instant messaging package.

“Our IM program is important because it provides another layer of interoperable communications to our first responders across the commonwealth,” said Mary Pedersen, CIO of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security.

Pederson said Kentucky already has a voice solution that allows all first responders to communicate via a mutual aid radio frequency, but there are times when voice communications may not be an option due to limitations of radio range. Also, few emergency responders, especially those in the field, have access to e-mail, and IM is a alternate way of getting everyone on the same page.

IM has several advantages over phone calls or e-mail. With IM, parties know whether users at the other end are available. On the other hand, people aren't forced to reply immediately to incoming messages. This way, IM can be less intrusive than a phone, important in emergency management environments.

End-users during the pilot included representatives from local and state law enforcement, fire and EMS, plus users in the state's Intelligence Fusion Center.