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The National Association of State EMS Officials, logo and image of Public Safety Advisory Committee representatives making a presentation at a FirstNet Authority Board Meeting.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers respond to life-threatening emergencies, serve as part of the community healthcare team, and help safeguard communities nationwide. The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) is a nationwide organization that develops EMS policy, acts as a voice for the EMS community, and provides information and research on EMS-related issues. As a member of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, NASEMSO provides feedback on issues that are important to state EMS officials.  

View of the Potomac River Green Bank and Washington DC skyline; map outline of Washington Metropolitan area; first responders

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) was formed to provide a forum for jurisdictions in the National Capital Region to discuss regional challenges and develop cooperative solutions. The Interoperable Communications Regional Working Group within COG aims to enhance communications for public safety and is addressing policy and governance challenges for issues and systems that have an impact on all jurisdictions, such as FirstNet.  

 5G small cell illustration

The Association of Public Works Association (APWA) released its Top Five Trending Technologies of 2021 survey and report announcing promising technologies that best support public works agencies. APWA reached out to the FirstNet Authority to discuss small cell/5G technologies’ growing impact on FirstNet’s vision to expand and enhance coverage into communities located in urban, rural, or other hard to reach areas. 

An officer in a Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office uniform sits at a steering wheel of a police vehicle using a mobile data computer mounted to the center console.

FirstNet is making a difference for law enforcement agencies across the nation—in both daily operations and at big events, whether planned or unplanned. In northern Virginia, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office relies on FirstNet for everyday use, emergencies, and large events. They also partner with other FirstNet users in the region to collaborate on how to best use the network.

FirstNet Flying Cell on Wings

FirstNet is pushing the envelope for public safety communications, opening up new capabilities for emergency managers and the first responders they work with. Through real-time data sharing, tools like the Advanced Network Status Tool, and advances in 5G, FirstNet is shaping the future of emergency management.