<p>More than twenty-five percent of the risk of failure for the 9-1-1 system can be
contributed to blocked lines. The second major failure mode is unhelpful or improperly
trained telecommunicators. The quick dispatch of emergency response teams in the event
of any disaster or accident through the use of the 9-1-1 system is crucial to the well-being
of the public. These potential failure modes prevent desperately awaited help from
arriving as soon as possible. Therefore, the reliability and effectiveness of the system
must be evaluated.</p>
<p>
The objective of this report is to identify failure modes of the 9-1-1 system,
calculate their criticality, prioritize them in order of risk, and propose economical and
feasible alternative solutions.</p>
<p>
Failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) is an evaluation tool that
proves extremely useful when a system is desired to be kept highly effective and reliable.
In this report, it is applied within the Systems Engineering Process to analyze areas of
weakness throughout the New Jersey 9-1-1 system. FMECA is widely used throughout
the military and commercial industry. It illustrates the interrelationships between causes
and effects of failure modes, and helps to focus attention on high risk areas so that proper
precautions may be taken.</p>
<p>
First, the use of FMECA is reviewed. The step-by-step procedures are next
illustrated, and it is noted that FMECA must be tailored to each system relative to its
characteristics and desired application. The New Jersey 9-1-1 system is analyzed in
detail and is found to be an effective emergency communications network. However,
technology has not yet provided solutions to all possible failures. In fact, technology
adds to the failure possibilities. Possible future areas of development are included.</p>
<p> / Master of Science
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/40908 |
| Date | 02 February 2010 |
| Creators | Giberson, Stacey E. |
| Contributors | Systems Engineering, Sullivan, William G., Blanchard, Benjamin S. Jr., Rees, Loren Paul |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Master's project |
| Format | BTD, application/pdf |
| Relation | LD5655.V851_1996.G534.pdf |
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