Denver paramedics adapt during summer CrowdStrike outage

This summer, a significant outage of CrowdStrike systems affected various sectors, including healthcare, but Denver Health's paramedic dispatchers managed to maintain operations effectively. The dispatch center, which is crucial for emergency responses, faced challenges when their computer systems went down. However, the dispatchers were well-prepared for such situations, having trained extensively in traditional methods to ensure continuity of service. When technology failed, the dispatchers quickly implemented a backup plan using a magnetic map and paper forms to track ambulance locations across the city. This method allowed them to mirror the system's operations, demonstrating their adaptability and resourcefulness. Lt. Josh DeBell highlighted that it takes only about two minutes to set up this backup system, showcasing the team's efficiency and preparedness. Throughout the year, Denver Health paramedic dispatchers have responded to a staggering 94,000 calls, with expectations to surpass last year's record of 137,000 calls. The peak of their operations was marked by a record-breaking day in July, where they managed 500 calls within a 24-hour period. This high volume of calls underscores the importance of having reliable backup systems in place. While the paramedic dispatchers rely on traditional methods during outages, police and fire departments have their own tailored procedures. The proactive training and preparedness of the dispatchers ensure that emergency responses remain unaffected, even in the face of technological failures, emphasizing the critical nature of their work in public safety.