Devices

FirstNet can be an important and cost-effective tool for enhancing EMS operations. From push-to-talk capabilities for budget-friendly interoperability to devices that operate like mini cell sites for improved indoor coverage, FirstNet can support communications for EMS practitioners.

In dealing with highly impactful yet rare occurrences, like a global pandemic or a Category 5 hurricane, public safety agencies are making use of FirstNet, the nationwide broadband network designed for first responders. These high-priority, low-frequency events have enabled the implementation of remote 9-1-1 call-taking, tactical dispatch, and the incorporation of FirstNet as a wireless backup for 9-1-1 systems. These initiatives help ensure dependable emergency communications during major events and incidents.

During the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Plenary’s September 2023 meetings, there was continued progress on Release 18, including features of interest for public safety and the development on the stage 3 protocol work. Additionally, the meetings included planning on Release 19 features and the start of preliminary discussions for Release 20.

Renee Gordon, FirstNet Authority Board Vice Chair, has dedicated her career to public safety. In her roles as a 9-1-1 leader and police officer, she has seen first responders put to the test when faced with life-or-death decisions. In honor of National First Responders Day, she shares her perspectives as a first responder and how a responder’s risk calculus improves with FirstNet.

St. Augustine, a coastal city in Florida, is working toward hurricane resilience. The city has dealt with six Category 1 surges in the past six years alone. After a natural disaster occurs, reliable communication is critical to emergency response times, damage evaluation, and clean-up efforts. With the assistance of FirstNet, public safety agencies in the area are better prepared to efficiently respond and stay connected in situations where traditional infrastructure may be impaired. Learn more: https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/ci...

The fire service faces many different challenges—from structure fires and HAZMAT incidents to wildfires and road accidents. Firefighters need the right tools for the job at hand. FirstNet is a key tool to help firefighters communicate in all incidents. Learn five ways that FirstNet helps the fire service communicate.

The volunteer EMS community is a vital part of our nation’s public safety efforts, especially in rural areas. FirstNet provides important communication benefits to all first responders. For smaller volunteer EMS agencies, FirstNet levels the playing field, giving access to the same quality of services and products that bigger agencies with more resources have.

Today’s firefighters must maintain connectivity, whether the mission takes them into remote wilderness areas or dense urban buildings. These places can be at the edges of where networks reach. By boosting signal strength, high-power user equipment on FirstNet helps firefighters stay connected wherever the call takes them.

When an eight-year-old boy went missing in Michigan's sprawling Porcupine Mountains, an extensive search and rescue operation was initiated. Darian Reed, President of Superior Search and Rescue, shared that broadband and data service support from FirstNet was pivotal in successfully and safely recovering the child.

3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary meetings held in June 2023 focused on the feature progress for Release 18, including the completion of the architecture (stage 2) and the development of protocol work (stage 3). The meetings also included two workshops on Release 19 feature planning. This session marked the 100th set of 3GPP Plenary meetings.

The University of Virginia (UVA) Health system uses nearly 4,000 mobile devices, powered by FirstNet, to enhance care for patients. The leader of UVA Health’s Mobile Device Technologies program, Anthony Thompson, discusses the impact of FirstNet in healthcare and how it’s supporting telemedicine capabilities, translation services, and rural healthcare.

In Wisconsin, Winnebago County has adopted FirstNet, a broadband communication network dedicated to first responder use. The FirstNet network will help improve the county’s communication capabilities and public safety services across its departments, including the Sherriff’s Office. With this initiative in place, the county is now equipped with cutting-edge tools, a secure network, and guaranteed priority access to help streamline their operations.

FirstNet is an important resource for emergency managers, whether during disasters, everyday operations, or large planned events. FirstNet’s unique public safety features help emergency managers be more prepared, increase situational awareness, and better track assets and people. For better response and operations, emergency managers should know these five things about FirstNet.

Want a sneak peek at five sessions public safety professionals won’t want to skip at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovative Summit? Join us in San Diego in June for a three-day event hosted by the FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Division. If you’re interested in learning more about current and upcoming trends in public safety technology, then 5x5 is the place you need to be.

In March 2022, a fire broke out near the Table Mesa neighborhood in Boulder, Colorado, close to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Facility. Over the course of six days, the NCAR Fire burned 190 acres. FirstNet deployables, including a compact rapid deployable owned by the City of Boulder, supported first responders on scene and ensured they could share critical information. Learn more at FirstNet.gov/Colorado.

The NCAR Fire, named for its proximity to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Facility, broke out near Boulder, Colorado in March 2022. The fire prompted the evacuation of 19,000 people and burned 190 acres. Public safety relied on FirstNet deployables, including a Compact Rapid Deployable, to connect their devices and communicate efficiently while managing the evacuations and battling the blaze.

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary e-meetings concluded in March 2023. The meetings focused on the feature progress and schedule for Release 18 (R18) and included the initial discussions of Release 19 planning. The remaining stage 2 architectural work in R18 is advancing well and is expected to complete in June 2023, as scheduled, allowing the R18 stage 3 protocol work to proceed.

In rural Jackman, Maine, the community has taken an innovative approach to providing emergency care quickly and efficiently. With the help of FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, local paramedics can conduct telehealth sessions and treat residents at the local health clinic or in their homes. Through the use of telemedicine and a reliable broadband connection, paramedics can treat patients on site rather than transporting them to a hospital over an hour away. Learn more: https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/firstnet-enables-telehealth-inland-island-jackman-maine

To prepare for a potential Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, Pacific Northwest tribal groups participated in a full-scale disaster preparedness exercise called Thunderbird and Whale. This exercise simulated a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and a 100-foot tsunami to help test emergency management plans and communication capabilities during a catastrophic event. Tribal agencies relied on a FirstNet deployable and cache of devices to communicate and coordinate with public safety partners.

Superior Ambulance has adopted FirstNet to strengthen paramedic communications and data sharing. The service has outfitted its emergency vehicles with FirstNet-enabled devices, facilitating secure and efficient data transmission between their medical professionals. The partnership will enhance public safety services across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.