Waller County Officials Discuss Transition to Westcom for Dispatch Services

In a recent meeting of the Waller County Commissioners Court, significant discussions centered around the proposed transition of emergency dispatch services from the Waller County Sheriff's Department to Westcom, a specialized dispatch center. This change is driven by the rapid growth of Waller County, which has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing communities in the Houston area. The county's emergency services, particularly fire and EMS, are experiencing an overwhelming increase in call volume, necessitating a more efficient and capable dispatch system.

Max Doss, an executive board member of the Greater Waller County Professional Firefighters Association, emphasized that the transition is not a critique of the Sheriff's Department but rather a necessary step to enhance service delivery. He highlighted that the current dispatch system is struggling to keep pace with the increasing complexity and volume of emergency calls. Doss noted that Westcom's dispatchers are specially trained in emergency medical dispatching, which is crucial for providing timely and effective responses to emergencies.

Rhonda Goechman from Waller County EMS echoed these sentiments, reporting a staggering 92.9% increase in EMS call volume over recent years. She pointed out that the existing dispatch center is overwhelmed, which poses a risk to meeting legal obligations under Texas law regarding emergency medical dispatch. Goechman urged the court to consider the transition to ensure compliance with state requirements and to safeguard the health and safety of Waller County residents.

Dr. Buzzword, the medical director for the ESD and EMS agency, elaborated on the technical advantages of Westcom's dispatch system, which utilizes advanced software called Pro QA. This system is designed to provide real-time updates and tailored responses based on the nature of the emergency, thereby improving the efficiency of emergency responses.

Fire Chief William McDougall reinforced the need for this transition, stating that the current system is inadequate for the growing demands of the community. He noted that Waller County is on track to approach 10,000 calls for service this year, with a significant majority being EMS-related. The chief emphasized that adopting Westcom would align with industry best practices and enhance the overall effectiveness of emergency operations.

The discussions highlighted a consensus among emergency service leaders that transitioning to Westcom is essential for maintaining high standards of public safety in Waller County. As the county continues to grow, the need for a robust and specialized dispatch service becomes increasingly critical. The court's decision on this matter will likely have lasting implications for the community's emergency response capabilities.